Blakeslee, Eliakim R. – April 25, 1864

Michigan Civil War Collection Letters


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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Camp 1st U.S. SharpShooters April 25th 1864 To Mr. Sheldon Sir Your communication opf the 12th just were received soma days since and after much inquiries Iam unable to find any of the articles mentioned. The commission was in the possession of Col. Berdan for some time, but as Col. B. has now been discharged, Iam unable to learn definitely what has become of the commission, but am informed by pretty good authority that it has been sent to Governor Blair of Mich. His money (about $40.00) was put into the hand of J. H. Baker to carry home, but Capt. Baker has been discharged also and is at present living in Lansing, Mich. He is the man to account for the money. Everything else that George has fell into the hands of the enemy as his company was being driven from that part of the field at the time he was shot. Nothing but his pocket book being taken from him. This was on the 2nd of July and we did not again get possession of that part of the field until the morning of the 5th where we buried him. He had a fine sword which also fell into the hands of the enemy. With regard to his having purchased a nice suit of cloths, you have been wrongly informed. He had only purchased a blouse worth some %15.00. He was last paid at Falmouth, up to the 1st day of May 1863, and of course must have had two months pay on him. I believe that he had never mustered as Lieut. Therefore he could only draw quartermaster pay. There had ought to be? With getting his back pay unless it be that his final statements have never been sent into the Adjutant Generals Office and I cannot tell whether this has been so or not. We are preparing for an active campaign her in Va. This summer. Hope we men all come out out safe but still there will be a chance for some of us must fall. If there be anything else that I can do for you let me know of it and I will be happy to do it. Very Respectfully Yours, E. R. Blakeslee