1865 Civil War Discharge Paper for Luther D. Root of the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, Company D

Luther D. Root was enlisted as a Private on January 20, 1863 for Company D of the First Regiment of Michigan Sharpshooters Volunteers. The Regiment fought in the Battle of the Wilderness (the first battle of Ulysses S. Grant's 1864 Overland Campaign), Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (one of the most intense fights in the entire Civil War), Battle of Cold Harbor (Robert E. Lee's last great victory of the Civil War, being outnumbered two to one), the First Assault on Petersburg, part of the Siege of Petersburg (the longest campaign of the Civil War) that ended in the Fall of Petersburg. This regiment was one of the first units to enter Petersburg. 

One day after the Fall of Petersburg from April 3-9, 1865, the regiment went in pursuit of Robert E. Lee. They faced their Grand Review on May 23rd that same year, and on July 28th the regiment mustered out with Luther D. Root successfully surviving the war.  

This paper is lightly toned but still in fine condition and comes framed, a muster-out roll half printed and half filled by hand, signed by the Mustering Officer. Additional documentation regarding this paper will be provided, including Luther D. Root's suspected death certificate (printed), Company D's roster, and the regiment's battle history.