Charles P. Hutchinson Papers
A native of New York, Charles P. Hutchinson moved to Wenona, Illinois, before the war. A farmer, he enlisted as a musician in the 44th Illinois Infantry on July 1, 1861. He wrote to his brother from Rolla, Missouri on May 28, 1862 describing conditions in the hospitals and recent guerrilla activity. Hutchinson was killed in action at Missionary Ridge on November 25, 1863. He left behind his widowed mother Lydia. Hutchinson had financially supported her both before and after his enlistment. She received a pension of $8.00 per month for her son’s service.