ALS
4 p.
1863 July 11
James Booker, a camp in Williamsport, Maryland, letter to cousin,
Chloe Unity Blair
Writing a few days after Gettysburg, James Booker describes the heavy losses
suffered by his division during Pickett's Charge; most of the regiment's
officers and many of the enlisted men were killed, wounded, or captured during
the assault. James and John Booker escaped harm, though they were nearly taken
prisoner by the Union forces. His division has been assigned to escort 5000-6000
Union prisoners to the South. He reports hearing daily of small battles and
expects another major battle imminently, although he does not expect his
division to be involved because it is on guard in Williamsport, a city where
most of the citizens appear to favor the North.
