11 July 1861: “I have no books with me except those you sent me some time ago…”

Item description: Letter, 11 July 1861, from James A. Graham to his father William A. Graham. In the letter, Graham comments further on the status of his enlistment (continuing an idea from a letter of 8 July 1861). Graham also mentions his need for a wrist watch and provides a list of some of the books that he is reading.


Item citation: From folder 196 of the William A. Graham Papers #285,  Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

More about James A. Graham:

James Augustus Graham (1841-1909) graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1860. He enlisted in the Confederate Army on 20 April 1861 at Orange County, N.C., as a Corporal. He later joined the 27th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. He was wounded twice in battle, at Bristoe Station and at the Wilderness. By the end of his service, Graham had attained the rank of Captain.

After the war, James A. Graham practiced law with his brother, John, in Hillsborough, N.C. He was married to Elizabeth Cheshire Webb (1845-1915), with whom he had four children.

Full Service Record:

Enlistment:
– 20 years of age at time of enlistment
– Enlisted on Apr 20 1861 at Orange County, NC as Corporal

Mustering information:
– Enlisted into G Company, 27th Infantry (North Carolina) on Jun 22 1861
– Surrendered while serving in 27th Infantry (North Carolina) on Apr 9 1865 at Appomattox Court House, VA

Promotions:
– Promoted to Sergeant (Full, Vol) on May 8 1861
– Promoted to Orderly Sergeant (Full, Vol) on Jul 19 1861
– Promoted to Third Lieutenant (Full, Vol) on Aug 17 1861
– Promoted to Second Lieutenant (Full, Vol) on Dec 5 1862
– Promoted to First Lieutenant (Full, Vol) on Apr 25 1863
– Promoted to Captain (Full, Vol) on Nov 2 1864

Listed as:
– Wounded on Oct 14 1863 at Bristoe Station, VA (Returned)
– Wounded on May 5 1864 at Wilderness, VA
– Returned on Nov 1 1864

Sources for the above information:
North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster, (1993)

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