97

Homer S. Sackett.

Description of a deserter being drummed out of camp.

Fort Ellsworth, Alexandria, VA, 30 October 1863
Autograph Letter Signed to unnamed sister. 5 pages, 8 x 5 inches, on 2 folding sheets; minimal wear.

  • Notes: "Yesterday at dress parade, Arthur Newey was drummed out of camp. His head was sheared close as it possibly could be. . . . Twelve soldiers for guard were formed in a square & Newey took his place in the centre, each guard holding his musket so that the bayonet pointed toward the prisoner, and they were pretty close to him. He had to mind how he traveled to escape hitting them. He was marched in front of the battalion & listened to his sentence, then . . . was marched 3 times in front of the battalion from the right to the left, two drummers & two fifers escorting him with the Rouge's March. The sergeant in command of the guard then told him that if he ever showed himself in the 19th Reg't he would be shot, then he kicked him over the line and let him go. How the fellow skedaddled. Newey deserted soon after we came down here." 

    The records show that Private Arthur B. Newey (1845-1865) of Woodbury, CT was indeed dishonorably discharged that day. He died two years later in Connecticut. The letter writer, Homer Skiff Sackett (1838-1899), fared better. He served in through the end of the war the 19th Connecticut Infantry / 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery. 

    Sackett added another poignant note on his life in camp to this letter: "Crack! Crack! Crack! Some poor soldier has just had the farewell shot fired o're his grave, but such things are common here, and cause hardly a thought." 
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