Item #55233 Three-page autograph letter from Priscilla B. Sturges to Capt. McGrath, concerning the death of her husband

Three-page autograph letter from Priscilla B. Sturges to Capt. McGrath, concerning the death of her husband

Providence: June 21, 1863. 8vo, on integral sheets, in ink; previous folds; very good and legible. On page [4] is a note from her sister R. Matthews, also to McGrath. Stamped postmarked envelope on yellow paper addressed to Capt. McGrath, Commanding Co. F, 50th Regt., N.Y. S. V. Engineers, Washington, D.C. Priscilla B. Sturges was the wife of Union soldier Private John Foor Sturges, born in Delaware County, New York of George and Sarah Sturges. She writes his former commander Michael McGrath, Captain of Company F of the Army of the Potomac: "Your letter bringing the sad intelligence of my husband (sic) death was received on the 10th to (sic) late to have the body of my husband sent home ... would you be kind enough to see that my husband grave is marked ... oh if I would but have seen my husband once more, could only have been with him when he died, what a comfort to me ... he was good and kind and life looks dark indeed without him." She then asks for information to get his bounty and back pay and the needed particulars of his enlistment. She also directs McGrath to sell a few of his possessions to settle his debt. The 50th Regiment, New York Engineers, was organized at Washington, D. C., from 50th New York Infantry October 22, 1861. The regiment mustered out at Washington, D. C., June 13, 1865. Sturges enlisted in Company F of the 50th in 1862 at Rochester, New York, and died in battle the following year at Franklin's Crossing on June 5, 1863, near Fredericksburg, Virginia. The one-page note within the letter is from "R. Matthews," Priscilla's sister who lives in Providence where she was apparently visiting. She asks Capt. McGrath introducing Mr. G.W. Smith of the Land Office as an advisor and intermediary to Mrs. Sturges. She adds: "Hopeing (sic) & praying that you may lead your men through this terrible war, & come out with yourself & Company & Union fully Preserved..." Item #55233

Price: $250.00

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