Explore primary sources!
Below are images of census and military records for Joseph's family. These types of government records are another form of primary sources that historians use to learn about the past. Look and see what sort of things we can learn from records like these.
Click on a image to take a closer look!
Click on a image to take a closer look!
After the Battle of Fredericksburg, the winter encampment was extremely difficult for both armies. Many soldiers left the army without permission and went home as a result. Joseph mentions that his family had lost many members besides Ezekiel and William. We can see that loss reflected in the two census records you explored.
After losing two of your brothers to the war effort, and knowing you had lost so many family members already,
would you stay with army or would you go home?
After losing two of your brothers to the war effort, and knowing you had lost so many family members already,
would you stay with army or would you go home?