Sarah Rosetta Wakeman - Military Service

Military Service

Her regiment was assigned guard duty in Alexandria, Virginia, later to Washington, DC, to protect the nation's capital. The first letter Wakeman sent home contained information about why she left home and what she was doing. Wakeman often sent money home in the hope of making amends. Sarah Rosetta Wakeman used her birth name when signing her correspondence; if her letters had been intercepted, this act could have ended her military career. Wakeman often wrote about being financially independent, something many women of the time wanted. She was religious and proud to be a “good soldier”. The 153rd regiment was transferred to an active battle field in 1864. The battle that ensued took place at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. This force probably numbered around 11,000 soldiers. After her arrival she sent her last letter home from the Grand Ecore Landing on the Red River.

The last letter Sarah sent reported: “Our army made an advance up the river to Pleasant Hill about 40 miles. There we had a fight. The first day of the fight our army got whip and we had to retreat back about ten miles. The next day the fight was renewed and the firing took place about eight o'clock in the morning. There was a heavy Cannonading all day and a Sharp firing of infantry. I was not in the first day's fight, but the next day I had to face the enemy bullets with my regiment. I was under fire about four hours and laid on the field of battle all night. There was three wounded in my Co. and one killed. I feel thankful to God that he spared my life, and I pray to him that he will lead me safe through the field of battle and that I may return safe home.”