Klumpp, Georg(e). Autograph Letter Signed as soldier, Company B, Third New Jersey Cavalry, “in Winterquarter near Winshester”, Virginia [Mailed from Washington, D.C. Feb. 11, 1865] 3pp. With original mailing envelope, apparently posted for Klumpp by a Lieutenant. To Charles Beach, Cattaraugus County, New York.
“I tack my pen and write a few line to you and let you know that I am life yet…I hat prity tuff times since you heard from me last. The Cavalry hasend done as much fighting in 3 years befor as ve hat to do last somer. The Country in Shenandoa and Laury Vally been full of Johnis and…ve could find hardly a day rest … old Mosby…cautght 3 Paymaster last somer. The oh me now 12 months pay…I got several horses shoot last somer and I myself hat a many close escab but never got hurt badly... 4 weeks ago the shoot 2 (German) deserters…I was detailed to General Custers Headquarter for a Scout, ve all hat Rebels uniform an ve meet this 2 ferlows, the thought we were rebels. The told us all where our Brigad and Regment lays, ve toock am back the Headquarters and 2 days after the were shoot. I am down on this War as bad as a solder can be but disert in the Rebel lin I don’t blaman to get shoot…” Apparently a German immigrant, Klumpp was Private in a Cavalry regiment attached to the Army of the Potomac which fought in numerous battles, including Spottsylvania, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Winchester and was then awaiting Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign which began two weeks later, with George Custer, brevetted Brigadier General, as his trusted subordinate. Three months later, the regiment was present at Appomattox Court House to witness General Lee’s surrender. Civil War letters with mention of the heroic Custer are uncommon and Klumpp’s reference to scouting for Custer, wearing rebel uniforms to capture deserters, makes this particularly desirable.