42nd Pennsylvania Bucktail Infantry - Killed at Gettysburg

Item LTR-5846

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages written in period ink. Written by Bayard Taylor (Renown poet, literary critic, diplomat and brother to Charles F. Taylor). Charles Frederick Taylor organized the 1st regiment of Ducktails - 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry. He was killed on July 2, 1863 in the Wheatfield at Gettysburg.

Kennett Square
Chester County, Pennsylvania

April 21, 1861

Governor Curtin,

The bearer of this is my brother. C. F. Taylor of this place. He has raised a company of riflemen, within a district containing about 1200 inhabitants and nearly $4,000 have been subscribed for their equipment. The company will be ready as soon as they can be received. May I recommend this patriotic offer to your consideration? Many of the men are Quakers and therefore likely to be brave and desperate fighters. All who remain behind will form a Guard for home defense, as this place is very near the Maryland frontier.

God and Liberty!

Bayard Taylor

“Gallant and brave leader of the Bucktail regiment, no braver soldier and patriot has given his “life to the cause.” “ – General Samuel Crawford