This is a loose-leaf binder containing fourteen letters and documents and one albumen photo of the soldier.  Private Howell Powell enlisted into Co. K, 17^th Pa. Cavalry on September 21, 1862. During the pursuit of Lee’s army out of Pennsylvania following the Battle of Gettysburg, Powell became ill and was sent to an Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. He died there on August 1, 1863.

The contents of the binder are as follows: An official Pa. state document is in regards to Powell’s citizenship. A 6 ½” x 8 ½” trimmed albumen photo of Howell Powell in civilian attire, identified on the back. A certified letter confirming the marriage of Howell and his wife. (This was necessary to claim widow’s benefits). A two-page, pen & ink letter to wife & children from Powell dated January 27, 1863. A four-page, pen & ink letter to his daughter from Powell dated June 6, 1863. A pen & ink letter to Mrs. Powell from the hospital regarding the death of her husband. An Army form to the commander of Co. K, 17^th Pa. Cavalry notifying him “that Howell Powell of your Company, died at this hospital…” with inventory of effects listed on the back. A two-page, pen & ink letter from the captain of Co. K to Mrs. Powell regarding her husband, dated August 7, 1863. Another from the captain to Mrs. Powell dated August 23, 1863, detailing how much of her husband’s back pay she should receive. Three pen & ink letters from various clerks while she is still trying to get her dead husband’s back pay. Three Sanitary Commission forms regarding widow’s pensions.

An interesting group of documents following the plight of a soldier and his widow’s dealings with the government in her attempts at getting money owed!  Powell was part of a regiment with good history…17^th Pa. Cavalry…he was present at Gettysburg…needs more research.  [jet]

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