Here is a nice soldier’s letter dated October 18, 1861.  Written by private Walter A. Bowdish, Company G, 72^nd New York Infantry.

Written in pencil which is light but Bowdish had very good handwriting and the text is easily read. Writing of being issued rations for a march, an expected attack and what the family should do if he is killed. He claims to write “these few lines standing in rank with all my equipments on and gun at my shoulder waiting for the word March.”  One sheet filled front and back.  A red and blue flag with liberty cap along left edge.  Envelope is addressed in ink with cancellation.  A very nice color engraving of the capitol building on the front.

Walter Bowdish was 22 years old from Staten Island, NY.  Mustered in on August 8, 1861.  Listed as wounded and then missing on July 1, 1862 at Malvern Hill, Virginia. No further record. [jet]

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