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The Empty Sleeve

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A touching post-war disabled Union veteran's printed handbill, 1p. 12mo., [n. d., n. p.], declaring, in bold type: "The EMPTY SLEEVE Henry H. Meacham, Co. E 32nd Mass. Vols. disabled in front of Petersburg, Va. June 22, 1864, reading, in part: "…my comrades round me fell; I was wounded in the trenches. By the bursting of a shell…hundreds died…some in agony and pain…the very dust…soaked with life-blood of the slain. It was not my fate to perish…strangers, pardon, if I ask you. To buy a one-armed soldier's song…". Meacham was severely wounded in the right arm on June 22, 1864 during an assault on Petersburg, Va. His arm was amputated and two months later he was discharged. No doubt, he issued this handbill to help support himself. From the personal papers of Col. Francis Parker 32nd Mass. Vols. Usual wear, else very good.

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