Pvt. John Sheahan on war destruction, 1863
Contributed by Maine Historical SocietyDescription
Pvt. John Sheahan of the 1st Maine Cavalry wrote to his father, John, in Dennysville and commented on the destruction of Sulphur Springs, Virginia, in 1862.
Sheahan wrote, "the houses are litterally riddled with shot and shell and in many cases are burned down by fire from the exploding shells."
He also noted that his regiment had been doing a lot of picket duty and was sniped at by rebels who were not soldiers.
He added, "We are cheered by our recent victories but we should remember that victories however splendid are the price of blood, oh how many desolate homes have been made by this war, how many homes there are that ever the white winged dove of Peace cannot brighten..."
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