Letter on behalf of ill soldier, Virginia, 1863
Item 60172 info
Maine Historical Society
J. W. Mason of the 1st Maine Cavalry wrote, with the help of another soldier, to Leonard Watson, Maine agent of the Soldiers' Relief Association, seeking help in getting a discharge from the service.
Mason reported that he was admitted to Howard Hospital with typhoid fever on Sept. 4, 1862. He had a sick furlough to return to Maine, but remained ill after his return to his military post and had done no military work since first contracting the fever.
He wrote that his "carere as a usefull soldier is ended." He also commented that his widowed mother needed him at home. A doctor also certified that Mason would never again be able to perform military duty.
Joseph W. Mason of Portland enlisted at age 22 as a private in Co. F of the 1st Maine. He was mustered out January 16, 1864.
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