1862 8th Mich. Infantry Civil War Col. Fenton Letter to Parents of Dead Soldier

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1862 8th Mich. Infantry Civil War Col. Fenton Letter to Parents of Dead Soldier:
$90.99

Original handwritten letter to John P. Hamilton concerning the death of his son, William, on June 23, 1862 from wounds received during action at the Battle of Sessionville on June 16, 1862 on James Island, South Carolina. This letter was written from Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 1st Division during the Burnside Expedition on July 23, 1862 at Newport News, VA by Col. William Fenton of the 8th Michigan Infantry. Prior to the war William Fenton served as the 7th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Michigan, the Mayor of Flint, as well as several other local offices. The town of Fenton Michigan is named after him. Prior to being commissioned he donated $5000 of his personal money to help with the \"equipment of Michigan troops.\" (see \"On the 16th of June following, they took part in one of the most dashing assaults of the war,-- an attack upon the enemy\'s works at Secessionville, James Island, South Carolina, in which Colonel Fenton led a brigade, composed of the 8th Michigan, 7th Connecticut, and 28th Massachusetts regiments. The 8th Michigan lost one hundred and eighty-five men, out of five hundred and thirty-five engaged. After this the regiment was in active service at Bull Run; Chantilly; Jackson, Mississippi; Campbell Station; the Wilderness; Spottsylvania Court House; Cold Harbor; Welden Road; and many other places.\" This letter explains the death of William Hamilton, his importance to the regiment, and the regret of losing him. Fenton closes the letter with, \"It is not impossible I may see you soon, my health is fast giving way under a load of care & anxiety for many a brave boy like the one you have lost. But it is not you or his mother alone who has suffered a loss in his death - his comrades & his countrymen are mourners.\" The letter measures approximately 9 3/4\" x 7 3/4\". It is somewhat yellowed with age. It has the original fold lines from mailing. There is a tear approximately 3 1/2\" long in the middle right side along a fold line. There is some paper along most of the left side which is original and seems to be where Fenton cut his paper. There is also a small piece of extra paper on the back, left-hand side, where it was glued to and cut from something. Overall, it\'s in great condition for being 156 years old. This letter was given to my great-great grandfather, Francis Hamilton Rankin, who knew both Col. Fenton and John Hamilton, most likely to print in his newspaper, The Wolverine Citizen in Flint Michigan, which was a common occurrence. It has been in my family ever since. I am not a professional seller but am trying to downsize my own family treasures. I try to be upfront about any and all defects of the items I sell. I try to capture everything in the photos so please look carefully. Payment is expected within three days by PayPal only. I ship via USPS within three business days of payment being received - domestic only. Please contact me with any questions or problems you might have before offerding or leaving negative comments - I\'m sure we can work out any problems. All items are sold \"as is\" and returns are not accepted -- I am DOWNSIZING -- so please be sure before you offer. Thank you.