Frederick Bosworth
Date of Birth
1843
Date of Death
Aug. 15, 1863
Letters Authored
1
Letters Received
0
Frederick Bosworth was born 180 years ago.
160 years ago, Frederick Bosworth passed away at the age of 20.
Letters Authored in Collection
| Date | Recipient | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 1, 1863 | Ella Bosworth | Before his death at Manassas Gap, Freddie writes his little sister Ella |
History
INTRODUCTION
Frederick Bosworth mustered into Company A of the 17th Maine Infantry on 18 August 1862. He died on or about 15 August 1863 from wounds that were inflicted at an engagement at Manassas Gap on 22 July 1863. Just three weeks earlier, the 17th had been heavily engaged at the Battle of Gettysburg.
THE LETTER
The Frederick Bosworth letter was written from Camp Pitcher by “Freddie” to his sister, Ella on 1 February 1863. The letter describes camp life and is printed, most likely to assist 6 year old Ella in her reading.
FAMILY
Frederick is recorded in the 1850 Federal Census as living in the 12th Ward, Boston, Massachusetts with his father, George W. Bosworth, 31, his mother, Frances, 27, his siblings Sarah, 5, George M, 3, and Louis, 1. His father’s occupation is listed as clergyman. In the 1860 Federal Census, the family is recorded as residing in Portland, Maine, and two new siblings have been added to the three recorded in 1850–Ella, 4, and Charles, 6. This would make Ella 6 years old when the letter was written and “Charlie”, 8. The following is a transcription of the death announcement which appeared in the Roxbury City Gazette on 13 August 1863:
“Frederick W. Bosworth of Portland, son of Rev. Dr. George W. Bosworth of Portland, Sergeant Major of the 17th Maine Regiment and for a time Aid to Brigadier General Birney, died on Sunday morning in Washington, from the effects of wounds received at the fight at Manassas Gap of July 22. Funeral today from the house of W. C. Harding, Warren Street, in this city.”