 Alexander S. Christie
Alexander S. Christie's military career was quite short. He spent most of the first three months being “processed,” sent to different camps and not knowing where he was going to end up. By the time his regiment was ready to fight, the end of the war was just days away.
Date: January 24, 1865
Location: Fort Snelling, Minnesota
Addressee: Sarah J. Christie
Description:
Alexander writes to explain life at Fort Snelling and the
group of new recruits.
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Date: February 16, 1865
Location: Fort Snelling, Minnesota
Addressee: David Christie
Description:
Alexander describes the food available in camp, and gives an overview of drills and leisure time.
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Date: February 19, 1865
Location: Fort Snelling, Minnesota
Addressee: Sarah J. Christie
Description:
A Fort Snelling chapel service leaves Alexander breathless;
he writes still in a state of excitement.
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Date: February 23, 1865
Location: Fort Snelling, Minnesota
Addressee: David Christie
Description:
Alexander writes about his friends in camp, and also mentions the
use of mules in the Army.
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Date: March 12, 1865
Location: New York City
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description:
Alexander, after a hard trip that included getting his
wallet stolen in Chicago, writes to express frustration
over not knowing where he is going.
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Date: March 15, 1865
Location: Hart Island, New York
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description:
Here, camped on an island with many other recruits, Alexander finds
himself in the middle of rampant disease, death, and thievery.
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Date: March 25, 1865
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description:
Alexander, extremely anxious over where he is to be sent, writes to say that he may be headed to Beaufort.
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Date: April 6, 1865
Location: Goldsboro, North Carolina
Addressee: Thomas D. Christie
Description:
Expecting to find both brothers in camp, Alexander is crushed to
find that Thomas is on furlough and William has been captured
by the Confederates.
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Date: April 9, 1865
Location: Goldsboro, North Carolina
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description:
Alexander's regiment has joined Sherman's forces in
Goldsboro, and are preparing to move out.
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