Here is a quite amazing pair of items from the 38th Alabama Infantry.  Private H. Talbert Holt was a member of Company I.  In this letter Talbert writes his wife Carrie describing a horrific scene that he just witnessed. 

                            “I HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM SEEING A DESERTER DEALT WITH.  HIS SHIRT WAS TAKEN OFF 
                             AND 39 STROKES WITH A COWHIDE APPLIED TO HIS BACK, WHICH BROUGHT THE BLOOD FREELY, 
                             THEN HE WAS BRANDED ON THE FOREHEAD WITH THE LETTER D.  HE SCREAMED, PRAYED, 
                             AND REARED AROUND GENERALLY.  I FELT SORRY FOR HIM.”


The letter is two pages in ink and signed “Talbert”.  Along with this letter is a statement that the Chaplain of the 38th Alabama, Alexander D. McVoy, apparently gave to the family: 

“A true and excellent soldier, as good a one as can be found in the brigade.  I miss his presence
very much at my meetings.  I feel however, that he is gone to a better land where cruel war shall not
disturb him more.  I pray God to comfort you in your affliction, and save you to meet him above. 
I shall write his obituary if I have time tomorrow.  His memory I shall always faithfully cherish.

Yours truly,
        A. D. McVoy
                Chaplain 38th Reg. Ala. Vols.”

 
While we have seen pictures in books about soldiers being branded with the letter “D”, we have never seen a letter describing this painful and humiliating practice.  Talbert’s letter is in good condition with professionally done archival restoration and de-acidification.  The Chaplain’s statement has spotting and discoloration but is readable and together they make a wonderful pair for the Confederate collector! 

Note: Anyone writing about discipline used in the Civil War would find this quote, a must!

#CG127 - Price $495

Chaplain's Statement:

Transcription of the Letter by Talbert: