Centre County Library and Historical Museum - P. Benner Wilson Letters

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  • Date = 1862-12-31

About This Collection

Fifty-seven handwritten letters from P. Benner Wilson (Bellefonte, PA resident and Officer in the 2nd PA Cavalry) to his brothers and sister dated from July 16, 1861 to March 30, 1865 describing his experiences in the Civil War, and B&W photograph of Captain P. Benner Wilson dated 1861/1862.
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1862-12-31 Letter from P. Benner Wilson to his brother, Frank S. Wilson
Civil War
On Dec. 28th about 300 men from Major Wilson's 2nd PA Cavalry were met by a force of 7,000 rebel cavalry and 6 artillery pieces near Occoquan, VA. Lieut. Snyder died from wounds before he could meet up with his wife on Dec. 31st. The rebels got into their camp and burnt up everything except for what they had on their backs.
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1862-12-31 Letter from P. Benner Wilson to his brother, William P. Wilson
Civil War
On Dec. 28th elements of Major Wilson's 2nd PA Cavalry with the 17th PA Cavalry were ambushed by rebels near Occoquan, VA. There were many of their men killed, wounded and taken prisoner; 'it created considerable excitement in Washington'. Major Wilson is spending New Year's eve alone in his room. Major Wilson never expected to 'wear military clothes one whole year' but would continue 'if the war is not settled in an honorable way'.
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