17th Maine Infantry 4 Page Letter Feb 25, 1864

Description

17th Maine Infantry 4 Page Letter
February 25, 1864
George W. Doughty, CO. E
Well written letter in ink from Camp Bullock, near Brandy Station.  Written to his brother as the Regiment
prepares to wrap up its winter encampment in Culpepper County.  Regiment will ultimately report for
the spring Overland Campaign.
Private Doughty served at Gettysburg where the 17th covered itself in glory with its heroic stand
in the Wheatfield where it suffered severely.  He survived that battle but
later suffered a wound at the Battle of Locust Grove later in 1863(chest wound).
The 17th Maine suffered the greatesr number of casulaties at Gettysburg of any
of the Maine Regiments, including the 20th.
George writes of his expectation of imminent departure for the front and mentions the effects of rain on the march.
He discusses the fact that the Colonel(would be George Warren West) is on another
furlough in Portland and hints at a degree of irritation at this frequent absence.
Interesting musings about the prospects of the men re enlisting when their terms is up
and his personal feelings about "binding himself for eighteen months more" and his
patriotic reasons to do so.
His words provide a sense of the level of commitment of these soldiers who had already
endured so much and had shed their blood for the Union.
Has some great insight on the soldiers' feelings toward General French, their
commander in comparison with General Sickles, whom they had previously
served under.  His description of French and the name they have
given him as well as their assessment of him is very entertaining!
The letter is in excellent condition, browned ink on cream tone paper
embossed with a shield near the top.
Shipping includes insurance.
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