Christopher T. Dunham to his wife Sara E. (Sadie) Cummings written September 12, 1863 from Rossville, Georgia.

2013.70.36 front.jpg
2013.70.36 inside.jpg

Title

Christopher T. Dunham to his wife Sara E. (Sadie) Cummings written September 12, 1863 from Rossville, Georgia.

Description

Christopher Theodore Dunham was born Sept 24, 1836 in Berkshire, Tioga County, NY. He moved to Freeport, Stephenson County, IL around 1856 and in 1860 was elected county surveyor. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted as a corporal in Capt. Atkin's company in the 11th Illinois Regiment of the Union Army. He transferred to Noleman's Calvary Company and was mustered out July 5, 1862. He returned to Freeport where he again enlisted under the President's call of July 1. 1862 and was elected Captain of Company F, 92nd Illinois Volunteers. With his background as a surveyor, he was detailed as Topographical officer on the staff of Brigadier General A. Baird, commander of his regiment's division. He married Sarah (“Sadie” or “Saddie”) E. Cummings September 22, 1862 in Freeport, Illinois. In 1864 he was tendered by Governor Yates the commission of Lt. Col. but turned it down to remain on staff duty. He was also attached to HQ 3rd Div. Army of Kentucky and HQ 1st Div. Reserve Army Corps. After returning to Freeport he was again surveying, but in 1872 was admitted to the Elgin Insane Asylum, where he died January 27, 1878.

Creator

Christopher Theodore Dunham

Date

September 12, 1863

Rights

Midway Village Museum

Format

jpeg
pdf

Identifier

2013.70.36

Text

2013.70.36
Georgia
[Rossville] Sept 12th 1863

My Dearest Wife
I this morn'g have a few moments to write you-we have been constantly on the march for more than ten days-My Co had a little Skirmish with the Rebs or occupn'g Chattanooga on the 9th Co T was the first Co to occupy the Town-Yesterdy morng [sic] we met the Rebs under [?] at Ringold Ga - My Co, was [chased] out to Skirmish which it did handsomely and I was surprised that so many of my men escaped unharmed we ran in to a Regt. of Rebs in a thicket had four men wounded, Sergt, Ferrin is hit
Page 2
Capt. Winslow is hit – Private Petermire in leg slightly. Private George [Marl] is hit slightly had 4 horses shot - & the boys clothes was riddled wonderfully with bullets. Marl had his life saved by his Pocket Book the Ball lodging in it. The Rebs had Seven killed. I saw one of them. I thought It is a wonder that we are even not all Killed as the bullets passed close to ar [sic] heads – [Deehan & Meyes] were with me –
I am not feeling very well at present hope to be better Soon. We March today again – My love I would like to write you often but canot [sic] get an opportunity – but dear one you must not expect much
Page 3
writing now. how dearly would I like to hear from you – can you write me dear one often – direct as usual to Wilder’s Brig. [Mntd] Infantry
[Com] Col Atkins 92 Ill.
I must close in time for the Courier
Your Affct. Husband
C. T. Dunham

To Sadie

Original Format

Letter

Citation

Christopher Theodore Dunham, “Christopher T. Dunham to his wife Sara E. (Sadie) Cummings written September 12, 1863 from Rossville, Georgia.,” Midway Village Museum - Digital Collections, accessed March 29, 2024, https://midwayvillagemuseumdigitalcollections.omeka.net/items/show/34.