Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

[Steve Acker]

While researching at the Wisconsin Historical society, I found this amongst some original documents on the 21st Wisconsin. The soldier’s last statement contained an attached sheet with the following information. Thought it might be interesting to share what one federal soldier had with him when he passed.

Jacob B. Druel (?, last name hard to read)

Nov. 27th 1864

Harvey Hospital USA General Hospital, Madison Wi.

1 hat-cap scratched off the form
1 vest
1 silk handkerchief
2 towels
1 wool scarf
1 drawers
1 boots
2 pair of gloves
2 stockings
1 wool blanket
1 rubber blanket
1 portfolio
2 knives
1 plate
1 tin cup
1 wallet with $4.05
1 watch # 33,007

[TKlas]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

Hi Steve,

Great info and thanks for sharing. How about that silk handkerchief. I think you need one in your impression:).

Thanks comarde,

Tom

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

I think this is a lie! Everyone knows a soldier from Wisconsin wouldn't know what to do with a silk handkerchief OR a pocket watch! :tounge_sm

Ok, ok...all joking aside...very cool stuff.

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

Steve,

Thanks for sharing. I would like to see more research like that. I just have one question .... What possible uses would a solider have for a silk hankie?:wink_smil

RM

[English Doc]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

Steve,

Thanks for sharing. I would like to see more research like that. I just have one question .... What possible uses would a solider have for a silk hankie?:wink_smil

RM

Have some romance in your soul man! it was a cherished, scented keepsake from a loved one.

[cprljohnivey]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

1 Portfolio??? What is this? A notebook of some kind?

[J. Donaldson]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

I find it interesting that while it lists a plate and cup, there are no eating utensils noted, aside from two knives, the style of which we can not know. I could see the possibility of using a sharp knife to cut and to spear food (I believe there was a discussion a couple of months ago on manners and eating with the knife here on the forum), but what of a spoon, something to eat a soup or some such? Maybe I'm just over thinking it.

[Steve Acker]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

Here is something else. I had not heard this before, but in one account, from a 21st Wisconsin guy, he said on the march to Perryville(Chaplin Hills) they had roll calll every hour. Have you heard of this before. The logic is clear, but the logistics is not.

Steve Acker

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

Don't forget Neill Roses' thread that detailed similar inventories from the 1st Lousiana Wayside Hospital in Charleston, SC:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4370&highlight=Alexander+Shelton

[Michael Comer]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

but what of a spoon, something to eat a soup or some such?

He's got a cup. That's about all you would need really.

[Steve Acker]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

Thanks Jason for reminding me of that post. The similarities between Neil's and this one are great reminders of what we should carry.

Silk Handkerchief is for me

Steve Acker

[DannyJoe]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

Steve,
A few years ago, I was at Perryville and a beautiful lady from Tennessee gave me a nicely perfumed silk handkerchief with her embroidered initials as a remembrance. I still have it safely tucked away in my kit. I will have to show it to you this Summer. Maybe, I will carry it back to Perryville when we make our trip.
Dan

[Pvt Schnapps]

Re: Last statement of a Wisconsin soldier

1 Portfolio??? What is this? A notebook of some kind?

Yes. Sometimes a portfolio was as simple as a hard cover in which you carried letter paper (think thin hardback book with no contents). Lord's has examples of more complex pasteboard binders with small locks. This Perry & Co. catalog from th 1880s has an example with a spring binder: http://books.google.com/books?id=aTQ...tfolio&f=false

Art supply stores today have similar items that work very well for our period: http://www.utrechtart.com/dsp_view_p...cfm?item=42255