Robert Sealy to his father Richard Sealy written on August 17, 1862 from Jackson, Tennessee.

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Title

Robert Sealy to his father Richard Sealy written on August 17, 1862 from Jackson, Tennessee.

Subject


Description

Robert “Bert” P. Sealy was born in the town Castle Cary, Somersetshire, England, on January 13, 1835 to Richard Sealy (born c. 1804 in South Welton, England) and Maria Louisa Champion Sealy (born c. 1803 in Wells, England). His family (including 2 brothers & 1 sister) moved to Rochester, New York around 1843. They later moved to Geneva, NY and final settled in Rockford, IL in 1855. He enlisted (along with brother George) in Company G, 45th Illinois Volunteers and entered the army as a 1st Lieutenant. Since Robert was an officer, he was able to have his wife Helen (referred to as “Nellie” or “Nelly”) with him in the camps, away from the battles. He was involved in the siege of Vicksburg, and as a commander led the first regiment into the city. After the fall of Vicksburg he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He moved away from Rockford to Council Bluffs, IA in 1868, and at some point he and his wife adopted a daughter, May Sealy. He died March 14, 1888.

Creator

Robert Sealy

Date

August 17, 1862

Rights

Midway Village Museum

Format

jpeg
pdf

Identifier

2013.70.53a

Text

2013.70.53a

Office of the Board of Trade
Jackson, Tenn., August 17th 1862
Dear Father
Yours of Aug 9th 1862 was recd day before yesterday I was very glad indeed to hear from you. I am sorry that Mothers finger does not get better. She must suffer terribly with it constituted as she is and so susceptible to pain I would like very much to see her too day & all of you. I am improving in health every day I think by the fall campaign I shall be able to [latake] the Company through another winter as well as I did through the last.
All reports you may hear about me I hope will not trouble you much, especialy [sic] when circulated by such men as those you mentioned in your letter. Men who have been discharged like Chandler & Campbell I was glad to get rid of them and can spare some more just as well as not. I never knew that Brad Flint wanted a discharge. And if I had
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I certainly should have opposed it as the only dificulty [sic] with him is the same as mine. A reaction after the exciteing [sic] times we had at Corinth causing a physical weakness that I think we shall hath over come as soon as cool weather sets in. I am thouroughly [sic] aware that the Boys write home some times in such A discouraging [sic] strain as to lead thine friends to Relieve that thir [sic] Officers are to blame for every thing It does not trouble me much however as I do not expect to run for Office after the war is over and have no Wires to pull. I shall do my duty whenever I know it without fear or favor.
I have not heard from Nelly in nearly two weeks only one letter since she left me. Im [sic] afraid she is sick the Regt is on the R.R between here and Memphis. I have not seen George in a week so cant say how he is I sent 1000 of his to give over to Robertson [Aerbman] & Co. by Espress [sic]. let me know when you hear from it. Give my Love to all at Home. and write me occasionaly [sic] direct as usual
Yours Ever
Bert

Original Format

Letter

Citation

Robert Sealy, “Robert Sealy to his father Richard Sealy written on August 17, 1862 from Jackson, Tennessee.,” Midway Village Museum - Digital Collections, accessed March 28, 2024, https://midwayvillagemuseumdigitalcollections.omeka.net/items/show/46.