Joseph Wilson - From Leicester to Andersonville - Page 2
© Max Wade Matthews
Joseph was back with his regiment in time to take part in the 'Mud March' of 20-24 January 1863, before resting in camp at Falmouth until the end of April. Closely involved in the Chancellorsville Campaigne (27 April-6 May), the regiment moved north and arrived at Gettysburg early on the morning of 2 July.
At four in the afternoon they went into action in support of General Sickles' corps. In the winter of 1863-64 the 118th were in winter quarters at Beverly Ford.
The regiment's next encounter with the Confederate Forces was in the Battle of the Wilderness (5-7 May 1864), Laurel Hill (8 May) and Spottsylvania (8-21 May). On 2 June 1864, Joseph was captured at Gaines Mill and sent to the notorious Andersonville Prison in Georgia. On 21 July Joseph wrote home to Phoebe
Camp Sumpter Andersonville July 21st 64
Dear Wife
I write to relieve any anxiety
you might have on my account. I have not
much space so cannot write much. I am
well, and hope you and the children are
the same. pay me respects to all friends.
I hope our government will soon have
us exchanged, for the condiction of a great
number here is very bad - many are sick - and
the heat is unfavoroable to them - and many
have no shelter - from sun or rain - many die
every day - most of the men here are also very
badly off for clothing - and if left here till the
weather becomes cold, will suffer very much -
tell F Cordykis's friends that he is not here.
Yours affectionately
Joseph Wilson
This was his last communication with home. On 26 September 1864 Joseph became ill and was admitted to the camp hospital where, on 6 October, he died of 'scorbutes'
The picture above is of Joseph Wilson's headstone. Grave Number 10426, Section H
With the letter, in the National Archives, Washington D.C. is an undated, incomplete note which reads:
Another Victim to Reble (sic) Vengence.
Poor Joseph Wilson after been (sic)
a prisioner over 8 months in a Reble (sic) den
died leaving a wife with 7 smal (sic) children
to morn (sic) his lost in Poverty therefore
