Bob Taggart to Captain John Taggart, August 28, 1863
Summary:
Taggart discusses military business, including a sword presentation and an
execution of deserters.
Captain John Taggart, 9th Penn. Reserve Infantry
August 28th 1863
Camp near Rappahannock
Dear John
I received yours of the 26th, Sam's of the 25th, Tilly's of 26th, together with one from Cunningham one from Waterman, and one from a member of the Company (Agnew) who was wounded at Gettysburg, and is now at home in Allegheny, all by to-days mail. I will consider yours and Will's to-night.
The sword presentation to Genl
Meade came off at Division Head Quarters yesterday. The presentation speech was
made by Genl Crawford. Genl Meade replied in a very
handome manner and was followed by Gov
Curten, Col
[unclear:
Ferney
], Col Roberts and others -- After the
speeches came the feasting in which
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about Three hundred officers
embracing all grades, from 2d
Lieuts up to Major Generals, took an active
part. It looked quite gay to see such a congregation of officers all in sunday
clothes, and side arms. and it was truly astonishing the way Champagne and about
a dozen different etcs were disposed of. I a'nt going to "tell tales out of school" but I may be
allowed to say that I returned to Camp all right.
To-day we had a performance of a different character. We were marched out along
with the rest of the Corps to witness the execution of five deserters from the
1st division notwithstanding I have a hearty
contempt for all Deserters. -- more especially for
such as follow up the practice time after time for pecuniary purposes, and
believe they ought to be shot, to
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death as an example and terror to
such evil doers. I could not help indulging in feeling of commiseration for the
five poor wretches as the escort marched in front of the Corps to the "Dead
March" each criminal following his own Coffin, and
sitting down on it at the foot of his own grave, facing the soldiers who stood
ready to execute the sentence of the law. A few moments of preparation, the
Command ready -- aim -- fire -- a volley and the scene ends. You will read full
particulars in the papers, and it is unnecessary for me to say more
Mr. Kelly was up at the Regt today and stopped an
hour or so. He looks as well as I ever saw him. Burck Campbell called in as he
was passing this evening. He is well and wishes to be kindly remembered
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Now to business -- In relation to that money you deposited, -- if the Regt is mustered out in May as all think it will be,
or in April, as many think, I will have to square up. But then, I can manage to
save enough before that time to settle. I have about $100 belonging to the Fund
loaned in the Regiment. I will get it next pay day. The "fund" for which I am
responsible is about $260 or thereabouts which will leave me only $160 to deduct
from some pay day between this and settlement! You need have no hesitancy about
using the present deposit, and as I think we will be paid now in two or three
weeks. I can let you have more if you need it.
Give my love to all the folks. Respects to enquiring friends
Your Affect Brother
Bob
