Archive Record

Metadata

Accession number

2000.232

Catalog Number

2000.232.03

Collection

Pearce Civil War Collection

Object Name

Letter

Title

Pratt (George Julian) Papers, 1863-1864

Creator

Pratt (George Julian)

Date

August 2, 1864

Dates of Creation

August 2, 1864

Scope & Content

This collection consists of three letters written by George Julian Pratt from June 26, 1863 through August 2, 1864. In his first letter home dated June 26, 1863, he reports his location as "Camp opposite Millstone Point, Morgan County, Virginia." He is looking forward to moving north with his unit into Pennsylvania, raiding all the way. "Now commenced the work, every horse was taken, every store ransacked, and all that was valuable taken therefrom. . ." He also reports some townspeople sympathetic to the Rebel cause. "It [Fulton County] is strongly democratic, the people claim to be honestly opposed to the war and said they hoped we would get old 'Abe' many came and begged to be paroled for fear of being drafted by the Lincoln Govr."

George's June 26, 1964 letter home reports that since mid-May he has marched almost continuously, and anticipates going to Pennsylvania. He reports heavy losses suffered by his brigade in the Lynchburg fighting ". . . 1 killed and 8 wounded besides having 4 horses wounded notwithstanding, most of our fighting has been done on foot . . . Since the campaign opened, our brigade, tho' small, has lost considerably over 500 men. I don't think many brigades that DO FIGHT can present more tangible evidence of having faced the music."

In his August 2, 1864 letter to his mother, George describes his experiences while serving in the 18th Virginia Cavalry in the action that came to be known as Early's Washington Raid. He also reassures his mother that his uniform insures that he will be treated well by area civilians. "I wrote you a note immediately after the engagement of Sunday a week mentioning the fact that our brigade had covered itself with glory. With 600 men we charged the entire Yankee army, drove their cavalry over their infantry, and compelled them to destroy their train. Our brigade was in front during the entire action . . . This is the most elegant country in the world for Confed troops, such noble women, such kind and patriotic men the Confederacy cannot surpass. The grey is your passport to the homes & hearts of all."

People

Pratt, George Julian

Search Terms

Battle of Gettysburg
18th Virginia Cavalry
Lynchburg Campaign

Credit line