Civil War Capt Dawson 8th PA Reserves Letter Pass Strap Fredericksburg insignia
Civil War grouping relating to Captain Henry C. Dawson, 8th Pennsylvania Reserves (37th PA Infantry), including an original handwritten letter dated May 9, 1862, an official leave pass dated August 9, 1863, original cover, and a period infantry officer's shoulder strap identified to Dawson with his initials on the reverse.
The letter is written from camp in May 1862 and discusses military service, advancement, and the writer's expectation of receiving a commission. Content references battle experience, army life, and advice regarding rank and opportunities in the volunteer and regular army. The pass confirms Dawson as Captain in the 8th P. And grants leave to visit Pittsburgh. Accompanied by a later research sheet identifying Henry C.Dawson, who enlisted April 24, 1861, was promoted to Captain May 22, 1862, and was wounded at Fredericksburg, December 12, 1862. The included shoulder strap is a Civil War infantry officer example with dark blue field, worn but intact, and marked on the reverse with Dawson's initials, tying it directly to the officer. I have not received any letter directly for some time. Since your departure I should write.
From the papers I see you have attained the honor of having been present in a great battle. You will no doubt see more and closer fighting before this war is over.
I have not yet been in any general engagement. I have seen some pretty hard marching which is rather worse than nothing. We struck a moment every man in the command checked at his officers to get assurance in him. I expect to receive my commission in a few days.
I wish you would write to me. Let me hear from you always. If you will draw the pay of your draft I intend to look towards a commission in the Regular army. I will get some persons of influence who are friends of mine to urge a recommendation to secure me, if you are interested.
I expect you are quite content in the same, but struggle for the highest rank you can get in the volunteer service. The chances are that you can get the same rank in the Regular army. [additional sections discuss military prospects, Harrisburg, and army matters; some text faint]. Letter is faded but legible in parts, with staining and fold wear.
Pass has expected folds and light wear. Shoulder strap worn with loss to embroidery but structurally intact, initials present on reverse. Overall typical condition for Civil War material. Solid identified Civil War officer grouping with internal consistency: letter discussing anticipated promotion, later pass confirming rank as Captain, and period shoulder strap attributed to the same officer.
Dawson served with the 8th Pennsylvania Reserves and was later wounded at Fredericksburg.