PEOPLE & Stories

Thaddeus Freeland of Millersburg and his brother George served in Company E of the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Their father, James, was a state representative with deep financial interests in the Union war effort.

The family also owned Freeland House, which stood on the site of the current Millersburger Hotel. Thaddeus eventually rose to the rank of captain and was captured by General Jeb Stuart's Confederate cavalry at the battle of Hanover, PA on June 30, 1863 in prelude to the battle of Gettysburg. He was released the following day and instead of searching for his unit, he made his way home never to serve again.

Thanks to his father's prestigious connections, Thaddeus was never tried by a courts martial for going AWOL. Throughout his wartime experience he sent detailed letters home to his father. This letter was written on April 13, 1863. It is left unedited as it was written.