Henry Telkemeyer
Henry Telkemeyer was mustered into the service of the Union Army on Sept
13,1862 at Camp Butler. He was placed in 115 Regiment Co. I of the Illinois volunteers. He
served in many battles including the Battle of Chickamauga and the battle of Tunnel Hill
Tenn, and in the fierce battle of Rasaca, Ga. where he was killed in action on May
14,1864. In search of his grave, natives of Rasaca said that due to heavy casualties on
both sides that the union dead were left till last, then hauled to Chattanooga, Tenn. and
buried in a mass grave. He wrote two letters in German, the last listed below as
translated
Camp Blue Springs Tenn Apr.15,1864
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Because I am in good health, I am taking my pen in hand to
write you afew lines.Thank God I am in good health,and I hope that these few lines may
reach you so. Dear father, we have here now a good life. Dear father, I can also tell you
that James Coffan has come on furlough.He leaves tomorrow for home. There he wants to
recruit for our Regiment, and I hope that he gets some of those young guys because he can
talk fairly well. Dear father, I have heard that the Rebels are now going to leave here
for Richmond, Va.. I believe that the Rebels worry that Richmond will be lost, because
they know that Gen Grant is here and because they fear him. Dear father, I don't want to
worry that we also might have to go to Richmond, because I believe that it will be
difficult to take Richmond because the Rebels will do their best there. I don't believe
that Gen Grant will attck Richmond, rather that he does not have enough men here. Four
corps went away to the Potomac toward Grant. Dear father, there still will be many a man
lose his life. We want to hope that it (the losses) could be light. Dear father, I cannot
write much news. We have here a bad (winter?) Dear father, it may be that James Coffan
surely stays longer because of his recruitiing. With this I want to close for this time.
Greetings to Henry Duval and Hermann Fricke
Henry Telkemeyer
Greeting also from all who are here with me Greetings to all who love us in faith Grace be
with you all Amen
Co. I, 115 Regt. Ills Vol.
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Dear father,Write me when you have time
Tell me how the wheat is doing there in the countryside
Submitted by William Talkemeyer
