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Civil War Letters - 5th New Jersey Infantry Soldier Lost Leg Battle Bull Run !
$ 10.82
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Description
CIVIL WAR LETTERCivil War Letter - Raising Funds for Artificial Limb for Soldier who Lost Leg in Second Battle of Bull Run !
These two Civil War letters were written by Sylvester Walls Nafew of
Co. B, later Co. D, of the 5th New Jersey Infantry (he later served as the Captain of Co. H, 7th New Jersey Infantry).
Sylvestor was the son of William H. Nafew, an oyster dealer in Jersey City, New Jersey. After the war he was a bartender in New York City.
Both letters pertain to the raising of funds within the regiment to pay for the purchase of an artificial limb for Pvt. Thomas Gibson who had his leg amputated after receiving a wound in the Second Battle of Bull Run in late August 1862.
Letter 1
Camp 5th New Jersey Vols.
April 16th 1863
Friend Gibson,
You may think it very strange to receive this small note from me, but I have a little business to transact with you. My Father will be to your house before many days & a man with him & you would confer a great favor on me if you will allow him to measure your leg. You will hear from me again before long.
I remain your friend, — S. W. Nafew, 2nd Lt. Co. D, 5th N. J., Washington D. C.
The newspaper clipping states that “Thomas Gibson, a private in Co. B, 5th New Jersey Regiment, having lost a leg in battle, his comrades have generously contributed 2 to furnish him with an artificial limb. The money has been received by Ald. Nafew, through his son, Lieut. S. W. Nafew, of Co. D, formerly Ord. Sergeant of Co. B, and under his direction this leg is being made. When done, it is to be presented in behalf of the company…”
Letter 2
Camp 5th N. J. Vols.
Near Falmouth, Va.
April 26, 1863
Friend Gibson,
The boys have just heard your letter read, which was received by me and I assure you all were very happy to hear from one of the old boys & all express the warmest sympathy for you in your misfortune. But cheer up your heart, my friend. It might have been much worse. Capt. Healy Russell, & Lt. Clancy have often expressed their regrets that so good a soldier is lost to the service.
As a poor substitute for the original limb, the following named persons contributed the sums set opposite their names. Accept it my friend with our best wishes.
[Lt. S. W. Nafew]
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