Antietam Battle Letter – Written by William H. Trisler, Co. K, 14th Indiana Infantry… Their Brigade never gave way during the battle & earned the title “The Gibraltar Brigade” – Trisler describes being hit 3 times! – “THERE IS FIVE ACRES COVERED WITH DEAD REBS. SUCH A SMELL I COULD HARDLY STAND IT.”
The 14th Indiana fought for 4-hours within 60 yards of the enemies’ lines with extreme loss… one of the greatest regiments in the battle of Antietam. Our writer William H. Trisler (the Civil War Database has it spelled incorrectly “Trissler”). Enlisted on June 7th, 1861. He fought all 3-years with his regiment including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Spotsylvania.
The letter is neatly written in nice dark ink, just 3 days after the battle. It comes with its original stamped cover. Here is the content:
- Sharpsville, Md. Sept. 20th, 1862. Dear Mother, I am still able to pen you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along with myself. I AM STILL ALIVE BUT RUN TEN CHANCES TO ONE FOR MY LIFE.
- MOTHER, I RECEIVED THREE SLIGHT WOUNDS THE DAY OF THE FIGHT, NON-MORTAL.
- ONE BALL ENTERED THE END OF MY LEFT MIDDLE FINGER, PASSED THROUGH IN THREE PLACES, COMING OUT BETWEEN THE MIDDLE AND FRONT FINGERS, BUT I DON’T THINK THE BONE IS FRACTURED THE LEAST.
- THE OTHER BALL STRUCK THE CENTER BLOUSE BUTTON, SLIGHTLY BREAKING THE SKIN. THE OTHER SLIGHTLY IN THE ELBOW.
- I THINK THE BALL THAT STRUCK THE BUTTON, THAT THE BUTTON WAS THE MEANS OF SAVING MY LIFE. DON’T LET THIS TROUBLE YOU AT ALL. I WILL BE ALRIGHT IN A FEW WEEKS. I THINK TO TRY THEM AGAIN.
- OUR REGIMENT LOST ABOUT 175 OR 190 KILLED AND WOUNDED. OUR COMPANY LOST 21 KILLED & WOUNDED. I THINK OUR COMPANY WENT IN THE FIGHT WITH 33 AND CAME OUT WITH 12 MEN.
- WE FOUGHT FOR FOUR HOURS BEFORE WE WERE RELIEVED. THE MOST HORRIBLE & TERRIFIC SIGHT I EVER BEHELD SINCE I HAVE BEEN IN THE WAR.
- I WAS OVER THE BATTLE FIELD TODAY TO SEE THE DEAD REBS. THERE IS FIVE ACRES COVERED WITH DEAD REBS. SUCH A SMELL I COULD HARDLY STAND IT.
- I must close for the present as my finger pains me much. I must close for the present. Hoping to hear from you soon. Direct as usual.
A perfect letter for display with a picture of the battle and our transcription.
#L9-20-62IN – Price $1,495
