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1st Maine Cavalry, 1863

John Sheahan letter on brother's death, Dec. 14, 1863

John Sheahan letter on brother's death, Dec. 14, 1863

Item 9275 info
Maine Historical Society

John Sheahan wrote to his mother in Dennysville on Dec. 14, 1863 expressing grief at the death of his brother William in the war.

William Sheahan enlisted in Co. F of the 6th Infantry Regiment in July 1861 when he was 25. A corporal at enlistment, he was promoted to sergeant. He was killed at Rappahannock Station, Virginia, on Nov. 7, 1863.

His younger brother John enlisted in Co. K of the 1st Maine Cavalry in August 1862 at age 21. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the 31st Maine Infantry in March 1864.

John also included a sketch of a Russian Army officer in the letter.