Captain Bowen’s great-great-granddaughter shared this manuscript of her ancestor’s service so that it could be posted here. These soldiers’ personal stories, from both sides of the battle, are what makes our battlefield history so compelling.
In 1858 Erwin Bowen married Anna Beach. He was then a lieutenant in the New York State Militia. On September 25, 1860, a daughter Effie, was born. She would be the first of 4 children. In the following letter, Captain Bowen, writes to his wife about his experiences at the Battle of Cedar Mountain and as a captured prisoner of war following the engagement. Towards the end of the letter, he records the passing of his young daughter’s 2nd birthday, while he was still held captive as a prisoner of war in Richmond. Here is the captain’s story in his own words.
Continue reading “Capt. Erwin A. Bowen, Part 2; Libby Prison”