The result of a typical musket wound

When Confederate surgeons amputated Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell’s bullet-shattered left leg, they were anxious to prove to his young, soon-to-be stepson that the operation was life-saving. “Dr. [William A.] Robertson of La. opened the leg along the track of the ball, in order to show me they were justified in taking it off – a Dr. Launer of Ala. having objected to it – but it had been plainly a necessity,” recalled Maj. Campbell Brown, 21. • Healio article

Letters given to Ole Miss rich with detail

Descendants recently donated to the University of Mississippi the 27 letters that Richard Bridges wrote when he served in the University Greys, the unit organized by students to fight in the Civil War. Written in graceful penmanship, Bridges’ letters tell of his life from 1861 to 1863. He writes of camp life, asks for more pants and blankets and money when he hasn’t received his military pay, tells briefly of battles and reports on his health, including not-so-serious and serious wounds. • Article