| The reality of a soldier’s life was that death was imminent at every step. Private Joseph G. Frank, Company K, 53rd PVI, was mustered into service with the regiment as a recruit on February 11, 1864. Frank had served honorably through teh Overland Campaign and during the siege of Petersburg. In the Battle on Boydton Plank Road on March 31, 1865, Frank was shot and killed when the regiment was ordered to advance in support of other troops. Buried on the battlefield, his family was desperate to retrieve his body for burial back home in Westmoreland County. |
Greensburg Westmoreland Co. PA
May 1, 1865
Dear Sir,
Will you be so kind as to furnish me transportation to Petersburg, VA for the purpose of obtaining and bringing home the remains of my deceased nephew Joseph G. Frank who was a private in Co. K, 53rd Regt Penna Vol. and was killed while in action on the 31st of March 1865 near Petersburg.
Yours Truly,
A.G. Marsh
(Please answer immediately)
