Emmitsburg's Civil War Soldiers
(Company C, Cole’s
Cavalry)
Private John Sponcler: Letter for Proof of
Service
Submitted by
Gary Zeller
Department of the Interior
May 17 1873
Pension Officer
Bellvill Republic C
O Kansas
I was wounded and taken prisoner
January 11th 1864 at Rectors Crossroads Va while in line of duty I
was left at a private house, Mr. Rectors on a count of being
mortally wounded. I was a prisoner 3 weeks and 4 days forth I was
waited on by the rebel surgeon and the family of the house. The
man of the house and family was rebels to sons in the army. I was
treated as an enemy in every respect. The rebel Dr. could not get
the bullet nor cloth from my wound nor the leather from my belt. I
was wounded there the left side grazing the left hip bone and
lodging in the right hip.
I was under command of Captain AM
Hunter and First Lieutenant William A. Horner second Lieutenant
Hiram S. McNair when wounded. I was taken from the field sometime
in the evening. A detachment of the first New Jersey and a
detachment of the first Pennsylvania cavalry sent from Warrenton
Va. on a count took me from the house of Mr. Rector to Warrenton
Va. to the hospital. I believe it was a brigade hospital, no
general hospital there at that time. I think that was a long the
later part of the month.
After being there 3 or 4 months I
wanted to see my brother and friends in my battalion and by my
request I was sent to the battalion at Harper’s Ferry from that
went to the battalion hospital from there to the general hospital
at Sandyhook Maryland after being there I got a furlough for 30
days to go to see my mother then reported to the battalion not
being fit for duty I was sent to the battalion hospital. From that
time I acted as hospital steward until the days of my discharge I
was promoted hospital steward in the regiment. It had been raised
to a regiment for bravery. I was mustered out as a private soldier
by neglect of my captain and myself for not showing my commission.
I have never belonged to the Navy or Army since discharge. My
wound troubled me when discharged.
John Sponcler
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