1862 War Date Letter

Wounded at 2nd Bull Run and Spotsylvania!

(1819-86) Born Westmoreland County, Pa. He was a 42 year old physician from New Castle, Pa. when he enlisted on April 25, 1861, as 1st lieutenant, and was commissioned into the 12th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was promoted to captain, July 1, 1861, and mustered out of this regiment on Aug. 5, 1861. On Aug. 31, 1861, he was commissioned colonel of the 100th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was wounded in action at 2nd Bull Run, on Aug. 29, 1862, and after his convalescence returned in time to participate in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. where he commanded the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Corps. Moving to the western theater with the 9th Corps, he continued in brigade command under Maj. Gen. John Parke during the Siege of Vicksburg. He also took part in the siege of Knoxville. Returning to Virginia, Leasure commanded the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Corps at the battle of the Wilderness, and the battle of Spotsylvania, where he was wounded in action on May 12, 1864. When division commander, Brig. Gen. Thomas G. Stevenson was killed at Spotsylvania, Leasure was the ranking subordinate and took command of the division for 3 days until being relieved in this capacity. He was promoted to brevet brigadier general, April 18, 1865.

Autographed Letter Signed: 7 3/4 x 10, in ink.

Head Quarters, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, "Burnside Expedition"
July 25th, 1862

It affords me much pleasure to endorse fully the foregoing statements in relation to Capt. Bolenius. I have known him intimately having served in the same Brigade with him during the last ten months, and esteem him a most thorough, skillful and brave officer.

Daniel Leasure, Col.
Acting Brig. General

Light wear and age toning.