Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of correspondence from Jerome B. Satterlee, who served in the New York Volunteer Infantry, to his family during the Civil War.
Jerome B. Satterlee (1838-1925) enlisted as a private in Company B of the 44th Regiment of the New York Volunteer Infantry (known as the"Ellsworth Avengers") on August 20, 1861. He served under Captain Lucius S. Larrabee. He was captured by Confederate forces at Gain's Mill on June 27, 1862, and was sent to Libby Prison, in Richmond, Virginia, where, over the course of his three-month stay, he lost nearly fifty pounds. Once pardoned from imprisonment, he entered Annapolis Hospital and stayed there until January 1863. Satterlee was promoted to corporal in May 1863. The next month, he fell and hurt his knee. As a result, he entered McVeigh House Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia, where he stayed and worked as a night watchman and nurse. He fought in the Battle of Gettysburg. Satterlee was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps in February 1864. He was honorably discharged six months later, and moved to Washington, D.C., where he practiced law. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
This collection contains letters written by Jerome B. Satterlee to his immediate family between 1860 and 1865. The majority of letters were written when Satterlee served in the 44th Regiment of the New York Volunteer Infantry. Letters detailed Satterlee's strong confidence in Lincoln and admiration for General Grant, life in the military, health of the troops, and his months spent in multiple hospitals.
The Library acquired this collection prior to 2001.
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