2nd Massachusetts Infantry & Zouaves D'Afrique

Item LTR-10277

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


530 Walnut Street
Philadelphia
August 29, 1862

My Dear Sir,

The “Zouaves d’Afrique” an independent company of Philadelphians, who have been complimented on numerous occasions for meritorious conduct, for all accounts, including your own official report, did gallant service at the Battle of Slaughter Mountain and the life of your regiment, and voluntarily under your command. The lives of the killed and wounded in the regiment in the Boston papers ignore the “Zouaves d’Afrique” entirely. Their list it is stated, was furnished by yourself. I beg to remind you of the injustice of this and that the soldiers of a sister state seeking state pride in a desire to serve a common country, deserve more honorable treatment at the hands of the officer who was lauded by their temporary commander.
A brother of mine, a son of a New Englander, fell upon that fatal field fighting as bravely as the bravest, and I am certain that his sacrifice was as complete an oblation upon the altar of his country, tho he was a Pennsylvanian and not a son of Massachusetts.
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully yours,
Robert D. Coxe

To:
Colonel G. L. Andrews
Commanding, 2nd Massachusetts Regiment