Letters, 1863-1865.

ArchivalResource

Miller, Ira, 1838-1897. Letters, 1863-1865.

Letters, 1863-1865.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/297415478

Letters, original and transcribed, and photographs relating to the service of Ira Miller, who served with Company B, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry during the Civil War. Collection consists of sixteen letters written by Miller to his wife, Louisa during his service from 1864 to 1865. The letters written by Miller go into great detail about army life, conditions faced while in the field, and descriptions of skirmishes and major battles with Confederate forces. Early letters discuss mustering into service at Camp Randall, descriptions of southern Wisconsin, Illinois, and Kentucky, and news about other Wisconsin soldiers. Letters describe lack of provisions and the need to pillage the land for food, being forced to march in frigid temperatures, rampant drinking and gambling between fellow soldiers, and admiration and disdain for superior officers. Later letters contain descriptions of skirmishes with Confederates along the Kentucky border and accounts of actions in Alabama. One letter, dated May 6, 1865, goes into great detail about his experiences at the Battle of Selma; fighting behind breastworks, engaging the enemy in picket lines, charging enemy positions; and the wounding of General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Some letters describe total war tactics conducted in Alabama and interaction with civilians. In another letter, dated May 15, 1865, Miller expresses surprise over adulation received from former slaves as his regiment marched through Alabama and occupied plantations. The collection also contains one letter written by Stephen Benedict to Miller informing him of the death of his uncle, Colin Miller, who served with Company C, 14th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. Colin was wounded in a night charge at Vicksburg in 1863 and later died of his wounds. All letters were transcribed by Gael A. Lord between 2004 and 2008. Also included is a list of descendants of Issac Miller, which provides background information on Ira and Collin. The two copy photographs in the collection are portraits of Miller and his daughter, Leilia. The photograph of Miller was taken sometime after the Civil War.

Papers : 0.2 linear ft. (1 archives box) and.Photographs : (1 folder) and.Paper prints : (1 folder) and.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center