1879 Civil War Medal of Honor Winner Frederick Phisterer Thanks General Townsend

  
By this time Phisterer, finances exhausted, determines that he has to leave his homestead, rather than expose his wife and children to the hardship they would experience if they came to meet him in Florida immediately - anything would be preferred by them, and so by me. Not wanting to give up entirely, he explained his plans to apply early for his patent. He requests that Townsend send a recommendation to the Gainesville Land Office on his behalf, if Townsend thinks he might know and/or could possibly influence the Commissioner. Phisterer had felt "deserted and discouraged" until he received a June 30 telegram from Townsend, offering financial assistance, which he declines here on the basis that it is altogether more than I could expect from anyone, no matter how dear a friend. Phisterer continues the letter on July 9, after having received a letter and its enclosed check from Townsend, expressing appreciation and asking permission to use the funds for his new plans. He also provides new contact information, as his new plans will take him to either northern Florida or Ohio.

He makes a final set of complaints about his father in law, who "has been the cause of all my troubles, " including that the man "made me leave the army under promises, which he never fullfilled, " before closing with the more optimistic thought he has been clinging to: that after dark days, bright ones will follow. " He signs off, "Sincerely, gratefully yours, Fred Phisterer. The information was credited with saving a battalion of regular troops from capture or annihilation. Later in life, Phisterer compiled the 6 volume New York in the War of the Rebellion.

Phisterer served as Townsend's Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion in Stones River/Murfreesboro. Begun July 7 and written on all four pages of a full sheet of ruled writing paper, with an additional page written on July 9, on a half sheet of the same sort of paper. The paper measures approximately 9.75" x 15.25" when unfolded (The July 9 page measures approximately 9.75" x 7.75"). Condition : Fold lines and some light soil, generally in very good condition. A note about packing: Check our feedback.

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