GDG- Adams Sentinel- July 21, 1863-8th IL

[J. David Petruzzi]

I will do some checking, as I can't recall all the specifics, but
Diffenbaugh on July 1 was serving as one of Col. William Gamble's orderlies.
Gamble was the 1st Brigade commander under Buford - and as I recall
Diffenbaugh actually died on July 1, not later as this article states about
this particular soldier.

J.D. Petruzzi



>>ADAMS SENTINEL
JULY 21, 1863
A PRIVATE¹S DEATH

            A private of the 8th Illinois was shot through the lungs and
brought to the hospital for surgical treatment. His wound was a fatal one,
and he suffered intensely.  I asked him for his name, and it was Dussold;
and inquiring as to the nature of his wound, he replied that it was mortal,
and he did not expect to recover, but that he cared not if we could only
prevent the escape of Lee across the Potomac.  I gazed upon the hero with
veneration, and as I gazed his lips grew colorless, and the death dew hung
in trembling drops upon his brow.  I asked the surgeon if he could save him,
but he replied that he must die.  It will be a source of gratification and
pride to his friends to know that he died sublimely, and with his old love
for the Union undimmed by long and arduous service in his country¹s cause.

Note:  Esteemed Member Don Wiles has done some research, and thinks the
mortally wounded soldier must be Private David Diffenbaugh of the 8th IL
Cavalry. David Diffenbaugh¹s name is listed on the back of the 8th IL
Cavalry monument, and he was the only casualty.

Contributed by Ginny Gage>>