James Marsh Read was born November 19th, 1833 in St. Albans, Vermont, the first born son to the family. The family relocated to Burlington, Vermont during James’ childhood. James began his formal education at the age of fifteen, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in 1853. Upon graduation, James moved around the country looking for work opportunities. He finally took a position as an assistant with an expedition that bored wells along a route from Texas to New Mexico. James continued on these western expeditions for three years, at which point he returned to his family home in Vermont. In 1861, James answered a call for volunteer soldiers in the Civil War. His first enlistment lasted three months; he then re-enlisted for three more years. James performed secretarial duties for the Tenth Vermont Infantry Regiment, ultimately being promoted to Adjutant on February 24th, 1865. Less than two months later, James was wounded in the final Battle of Petersburg. His right foot was amputated, and he died only a few days after, on the evening of April 5th, 1865. For further reading, please consult the biographical note about James M. Read on the Vermont in the Civil War website: www.vermontcivilwar.org/units/10/bios.php?input=27026.

Cover shows significant damage; opened roughly at top and left sides. Stamp is damaged and was trimmed close on left. Backflap is missing (see additional scan).

Price is based on historic value.