Letter of Sgt. Ben Taylor, Co. M to Miss Mary Leckey, wife of Lt. Col. David A. Leckey, contributed by Marion Lynne Hindman, great great granddaughter of Lt. Col. David A. Leckey
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Original Letter |
Wartime image of Miss Leckey |
Original Envelope |
Transcription of Letter and Notes by Marion Lynne Hindman, great granddaughter of Mary Leckey
Sergeant Benjamin Taylor
Pittsburgh
September 24, 1862
to Mary Leckey (Lecky)
Envelope
Postmark: Pittsburgh
Miss Mary Leckey
Monongahela City
Washington County Penna
Letter
Pittsburgh Sept 24th/62
Miss Mary Leckey
According to promise, I went to the railroad depot to day. I saw the baggage master in reference to the basket and canes. He informed me that nothing came except the trunk, and that he had no information from Mr. Moon about the basket or canes. The trunk was left at Philadelphia by Mr. Moon being marked Pittsburgh it was sent on and its more than likely that the other things are there yet.
I expect to leave for New Castle to night and will make some inquiry of Mr. Moon about them. I had the pleasure of seeing an Indian and his Squaw. They were going on to Washington City to see the President. If all Indians are as savage looking as he was I think it would not be very pleasant to come in contact with them. Undoubtedly the Squaw was the ugliest creature to be a human being that I ever saw. I was sorry when informed last evening of George Campbells death.
It seems hard to have our friends and relatives shot down by those cruel traitors. But such are the fortunes of war. I would not be surprised from what I can hear if the A Captain is wounded. If you get any word please let me know as I feel anxious to hear. Direct to New Castle Lawrence County Pa.
Your Friend
Sergt Benj Taylor
Transcribed by Marion Lynne Hindman-Holcomb, great granddaughter of Mary Lecky.
Notes:
There is a Benjamin Taylor in Company M of the 100th P.V.I. Roundhead Regiment. Samuel Bates Roster shows Benjamin Taylor mustered in on
Sept. 5, '61 for 3 years and was not on muster-out roll. The Soldier’s and Sailor’s System lists Ben in the 100th Pennsylvania Inf., Union Side, Company M, Rank In Corp. and Rank Out Sgt., Film Number M554 roll 121.
The 1850 U.S. Census lists Joseph and Hannah Taylor as parents of Joseph, Frances, Ben and Sarah. Sarah Taylor age 80 years and Lydia Tell age 22 years are also living in the household. There is a Benjamin Taylor age 20 years in the 1860 U.S. Census, Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County Pennsylvania 362/362. Joseph Taylor is head of household.
Mr. Moon ?
George Campbell is George A Campbell, son of Jacob Campbell and Eliza Allen Campbell. He mustered in on 10 Aug 1861 as Corporal at Harrisburg, PA. Killed at Antietam, Maryland on 17 Sep 1862. He enrolled 24 Jun 1861 West Newton, PA with 12th Reserve Corps, 41st Regiment, Company F. George is a first cousin once removed of Mary Lecky.
A Captain may be Capt. Anson Campbell, a first cousin once removed of Mary Lecky.
