This Union issue greatcoat or overcoat belonged to Private D. J. Leech, Co. F, 124th Illinois Infantry; “DJ Leech Oct 6th 1862” is written inside the coat sleeve.
Leech enlisted in the 124th Illinois Infantry on August 11, 1862; in July 1863 he was detailed as a nurse in the regimental hospital. Private Leech and his regiment were involved in numerous battles, including the Siege of Vicksburg. He was mustered out on August 15, 1865.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30193
