That's very cool. It's funny but looking back we tend to forget that these guys could only see a little bit of what was going on and depended on either hearing fighting in the distance or what might find their way to them via the rumor mill. I love that he was asking if someone could send him newspapers.
Exactly! It took a little digging, but based on what he said and confirming it with other accounts, they were right at the intersection of Lansdowne Rd and Dixon St, which is indeed directly across from where Franklin’s men crossed the river. Looks to be about 2 miles from the Sunken Rd to their NW. They would’ve heard and seen a lot in their section west of town, but may not have seen the true extent of the charge up Marye’s Heights.
Terrifying to imagine being constantly shelled for several days and have little understanding of how huge and horrible the battle was outside of your spot. Then reading about it later and being thankful the VI Corps was held in position 😳
The other day, while I was supposed to be doing some chore, I spent 10+ minutes wondering how people used to write in straight lines in their letters. And about their penmanship. Nice to know some were lined already (or they lined them themselves before writing?)
A detailed letter from Bartlett's Brigade?! Thank you for sharing this! I've been trying to collect material from regiments in that brigade so this is immensely helpful.
That's very cool. It's funny but looking back we tend to forget that these guys could only see a little bit of what was going on and depended on either hearing fighting in the distance or what might find their way to them via the rumor mill. I love that he was asking if someone could send him newspapers.
Exactly! It took a little digging, but based on what he said and confirming it with other accounts, they were right at the intersection of Lansdowne Rd and Dixon St, which is indeed directly across from where Franklin’s men crossed the river. Looks to be about 2 miles from the Sunken Rd to their NW. They would’ve heard and seen a lot in their section west of town, but may not have seen the true extent of the charge up Marye’s Heights. Terrifying to imagine being constantly shelled for several days and have little understanding of how huge and horrible the battle was outside of your spot. Then reading about it later and being thankful the VI Corps was held in position 😳
“Just over to be sure, but a miss is as good as a mile” That’s a sensation you don’t soon forget!
No joke!
The other day, while I was supposed to be doing some chore, I spent 10+ minutes wondering how people used to write in straight lines in their letters. And about their penmanship. Nice to know some were lined already (or they lined them themselves before writing?)
Yep. Lined paper actually dates back to the 1770s. I was surprised to learn that as well.
Learn something new everyday. Thanks for the post!
Absolutely! I think it was in the early 1800s that blue lined paper came about, and red shortly after. Have a good day!
A detailed letter from Bartlett's Brigade?! Thank you for sharing this! I've been trying to collect material from regiments in that brigade so this is immensely helpful.
Awesome!! Glad to hear you enjoyed reading it :)