John Winn Moseley

Born in Virginia, he moved with his family to Alabama at age 3. He was an unmarried 28 year old merchant from Marion, AL when he enlisted as Private on 24 April 1861 in Company G, 4th Alabama Infantry. He was appointed 3rd Corporal on 1 September 1861. He was present at most engagements from First Manassas to Malvern Hill, VA, where he was slightly wounded, and was promoted to 3rd Sergeant in January 1862.

Present in action at Boonsboro and Sharpsburg.

In action with his Company from Fredericksburg, VA in December 1862 to Gettysburg, PA, where he was mortally wounded. He wrote home on the 4th:

Battlefield Gettysburg Penn.
July 4th 1863
Dear Mother

I am here a prisoner of war and mortally wounded. I can live but a few hours more at farthest. I was shot fifty yards of the enemy's line. They have been extremely kind to me _ I have no doubt about the final result of this battle and I hope I may live long enough to hear the shout of victory, before I die.

I am very weak _ Do not grieve my loss _ I had hoped to have been spared but a righteous God has ordered otherwise & I feel prepared to put my case in his hands _ Farewell to you all _ pray that God will receive my soul

Your unfortunate Son
John

Basic information from State of Alabama1. The quote above from his letter in the William Francis Brand Civil War Letters collection at the University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville. The original letter hangs in Virginia Coleman Hoag's Buckingham County, VA home.

08/02/1832; Buckingham County, VA

07/05/1863; Gettysburg, PA