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LETTER ARCHIVE SGT. EDGAR B. BENNETT CO K. 1ST CONN. HEAVY ARTILLERY

1300 - I WAS IN FIVE BATTLE WITH LITTLE GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN LAST SUMMER, May 7th, 1863, Fort Richardson, VA. 5+ pages in ink with stamped cover, Sergt. Edgar Bennett, Co. K, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. "We are in so much danger we do not know what minute we will get shot. We have been so hardened we do not think or fear the bullet. I habe had many close to my ears when many of my comrades fell last summer. I was in five battles on the Peninsula with little George B. McClellan but I hope I never be on another for it is a dreadful thing to view - the battlefield. There are so many killed or wounded...SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag..................................$100.00

12269 - 1ST CONNECTICUT HEAVY ARTILLERY, BURYING THE DEAD AFTER HANOVER COURT HOUSE, COMES WITH SILK FRAGMENTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG, 4 page letter written in red ink to his fiancée by Sergt. Edgar B. Bennett, 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. Fort Richardson, VA, June 14th, 1863 with stamped cover. He relates in part..."There is no respect for the Sabbath here. There has been more killed than we will ever know of what has become of our armies. They have all not been discharged nor in our hospitals, on no are they in the cold ground of Virginia. Mary, I will tell you of what I have seen myself, at the Battle of Hanover Court House. It came out in the papers that there were about 100 killed and wounded but no so. I was detailed to bury the dead. 4 regiments buried 3000 that were killed in that battle...it is awful to think of it. I hope I shall never witness another battle, more..." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of red and blue silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag.................................................$165.00

1301 - FORT LYON BLOWN UP KILLING 26 MEN WOUNDING 14 MORE, MORE NEGROES ARE GETTING TO FIGHT, Fort Richardson, VA, June 19th, 1863. 4 pages in ink with stamped cover. Sergt. Edgar Bennett, Co. K, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. "There is a great battle progressing on the Rappahannock now, yesterday Fort Lyon near Alexandria was blown up killing 26 and wounding 14 but more are thought in the ruins. They are getting the NEGROES to fighting and I am glad of it. They have in service 35,800 NEGROES so the government will not want so many white soldiers from the North. There is no planting here as the soldiers would steal everything...milk is now two thirds water"...SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag..............................................$100.00

1302 - MEN ARE ILL AND DYING FROM SUNSTROKE, TOO HOT FOR THE ARMY TO MOVE, Fort Richardson, VA, August 7th, 1863. 3 pages in ink, Sergt. Edgar Bennett, Co. K, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, "I went to Fort Lyons to see your Uncle, had pictures made, they were no so good as it was so warm. They did not take it in a tent...it is too warm for the Army to move, last Sunday seven men in the regiment were sun struck, one died instantly, also the Doctor cannot get up from his bed due to the sun, there are many sun struck in Washington City," SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag........................................$90.00

1303 - FORT RICHARDSON, VA, DOES NOT LIKE THE DRAFT, August 23rd, 1863. 2 pages in ink to his fiancée Mary, Sergt. Edgar Bennett, Co. K, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. "Mentions that his Uncle has been drafted, I don't like it at all to see men brought out here against their will for there are plenty in the north wanting to come by their talk. I am afraid if my Uncle goes to war it will kill his Father"...SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag................................$70.00

1304 - FORT RICHARDSON, VA, MEN ARE DRAFTED AND MAY NEVER SEE THEIR HOMES AGAIN, September 2nd, 1863. 3 pages in ink to his fiancée Mary, by Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part, "I will not worry about the draft although my Uncles have been drafter, but I cannot help thinking and feeling bad about those who have come here against their wills and leave their homes to have their wives and children mourn their loss if they should never return and many will never know how they died or where they are buried...You can't believe the War news here, one day Charleston is taken the next day it is not taken." SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag...........................................$75.00

1305 - THEY ARE HAVING CAVALRY SKIRMISHES EVERY DAY, Fort Richardson, VA, October 27th, 1863. 2 pages in ink with a stamped cover CDS Alexandria, VA, by Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates to Mary in part, "They are having cavalry skirmishes every day and the Union side never loses any men killed or wounded, he just received a letter from his brother who is moving from Illinois to Iowa as he likes it better in Iowa," SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag..................................$70.00

1306 -  THE REBELS MADE A CAVALRY RAID AND CAPTURED SUPPLIES AND PRISONERS, OUR CAVALRY WENT OUT AND TOOK 100 PRISONERS, Fort Richardson, October 12th, 1863. Three pages in ink to Mary by Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."There was a cavalry raid about five miles from here the other night. They captured a great deal of stuff and sutler stores. The Rebels captured a number of prisoners. Yesterday they was a brigade of cavalry that went past here to where the Rebels made their raid and this morning they came back with about 100 Rebel prisoners"...SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter, stamped cover and remnants of the flag...............................................$145.00

1307 - SOLDIERS COMING THROUGH ARE HEADING TO TENNESSEE, Fort Richardson, VA, October 31st, 1863. 3 pages in ink, with stamped cover CDS Alexandria, VA, from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary his fiancée. He relates in part..."A lot of soldiers are coming through here and going to Tennessee. They are mostly veterans. Our officers are trying to get us to re-enlist; he discusses the re-enlistment of the men in January in Connecticut. Edger goes home for Christmas and becomes engaged to Mary"...SILK REMNANTS FROM THE FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag..........................$75.00

1308 - THE BOYS ARE ALL SNOWBALLING, Fort Richardson, VA, January 11, 1864. 3 pages to Mary, Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part upon his arrival back in camp, "We are building barracks, drilling the recruits which is keeping the Sergeants and Corporals busy day and night, we received 15 more recruits today, there are 7 men in our shanty instead of five, there is so much noise that it is difficult to write, the boys are all snowballing and having a time of it." SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag, light water stains, pages 2/3 light but readable....................................................$60.00

1309 - BOYS AS YOUNG AS 13-14 ENLISTED BY GETTING THEM DRUNK, January 19th, 1864. 6 pages, stamped cover CDS Alexandria, VA, Fort Richardson, VA, Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, to Mary his fiancée. He relates in part..."Some of the boys wanted me to drink some whiskey but I told them I did not use the stuff, our camp is filled to 150 men, we get to sleep on oak planks but the recruits were told we had feather beds...there are boys here not more than 13-14 years old. They told some hard stories how they got to enlist, some by getting liquor down them, we continue to build barracks"...SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag.........................................................$75.00

1310 - I WENT TO ALEXANDRIA TO BUY A VALENTINE FOR YOU, Fort Richardson, VA, January 27th, 1864. 3 pages in ink to Mary from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, with stamped cover CDS Alexandria, VA. He relates in part..."I expect my bounty check for $300 any day, I shall send it to you to hold as I don't fell confident in keeping it here, I went to Alexandria to look for a Valentine for you but all I saw was 'comic' ones so I did not buy one for you so do not look for one from me," SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag................................$65.00

1311 - I SENT MY BOUNTY CHECK BY MAIL, Fort Richardson, VA, February 4th, 1864. 2 pages in ink by Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part..."I decided to send on the 3rd a check for $300. I thought I would risk it by mail. It would apt to be just as safe as by Express, he has very little war news to tell her from where he is," SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag..........................................$65.00

1312 - BEFORE PETERSBURG, VA, February 21st, 1864. 2 pages in ink with stamped cover, CDS Alexandria, VA, to Mary from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."I just got back from my old place from sharp shooting. I had very good luck in getting back but I had to go to Annapolis, MD, so I got on the mail boat at 8 o'clock and got into City Point at 3 in the afternoon," more newsy notes to Mary. SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag..............................$65.00

1313 - THE WAR DEPARTMENT WILL PAY US $16 PER MONTH, Fort Richardson, VA, February 26th, 1864. 2 pages written in red ink from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary..."The War department has concluded that they will pay the soldiers $16 per month," more news to his fiancée Mary. SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag....................................$55.00

1314 - WISHES HE COULD BE FREE FROM THE BOUNDS OF SOLDERING, Fort Richardson, VA, March 4th, 1864. 2 pages in ink to Mary from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He philosophizes about his situation to Mary, "I have roved through many a weary round and I have found nothing but naught in vain, while glory sighs for other spheres I think that the home that lone endears is worth the world, could I once more be free from the ties I am now bound of soldering." SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk form the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag..................................$65.00

1315 - EXCUSE THE WRITING AS IT IS DARK IN THESE BARRACKS, Fort Richardson, VA, March 8th, 1864. 2 pages in ink to his "Minnie" [Mary his fiancée]. He relates in part...News is scarce, they are fixing the barracks, it is so noisy one can hardly think, he has to go on guard tomorrow in the rain, please excuse the writing as it is very dark in the barracks, he describes the barracks...80' long, 30' wide, 150 men in them, two rows of bunks three high, the top ones are 6' from the floor, 6 men in a bunk area, 2 in each tier, the aisle through the barracks is 8' wide, we have two stoves in each barracks," a good act of the barracks at Fort Richardson, VA." SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag.................................................$85.00

1316 - THE BOYS ARE GOING HOME TO VOTE, Fort Richardson, VA, March 16th, 1864. 3 pages in ink to Mary from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."I have been busy all day gettting furloughs ready for the boys going home to vote, when I get paid I will send money home to Father, more camp news." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg than manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, comes with a stamped cover postmarked Alexandria, VA.............................................$55.00

1317 - A HUGE SNOWFALL HAS BURIED THE CAMP AND INTO THE BARRACKS, March 24th, 1864. 2 pages in ink from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, comes with a stamped cover postmarked Alexandria, VA. He relates to Mary in part..."The snow blew into the barracks as bad as it did outdoors, we were all wet even our beds, the blankets were all wet through, everything I have to my name is wet, most of the boys do not have dry blankets to sleep under tonight. It was more than uncomfortable as it was so call I could not get out for roll call this morning. Today we went out and snowballed most of the day. They boys are now around the stoves drying their clothes, many are sick...Charter the drummer is just going to beat the call so I must close." There are light water stains due to the paper being wet before he wrote the letter...Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar.......................................$75.00

1318 - HE SENDS MARY A CONFEDERATE $20 BILL, Fort Richardson, VA, April 26th, 1864. 4 pages in ink from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part to Mary, "Alexandria and Washington are full of soldiers. There is nothing to see here but soldiers and wagon trains for miles upon miles, the city ID full of music from the bands and drummer corps. I am now in the 1st Corps and get $17 per month. MINNIE HERE IS SOME CONFEDERATE MONEY..." Bennett has enclosed a 1862 Confederate $20 banknote in fine condition with this letter which is a tad light but quite readable, a nice souvenir for his fiancée. Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and Confederate note........................................$150.00

1319 - REPORTS ON THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS, May 8th, 1864. 2+ pages in ink, stamped cover postmarked Alexandria, VA, from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part..."We have had plenty of news from the front. They are fighting now and have been fighting for three days [Battle of the Wilderness], the papers say there are severe losses on both sides. It says tonight that there losses are 13,000. His losses [Confederate] wounded is 10,000 and killed 3,000. They say our losses are heavy but don't say how much, the troops on the Peninsular are doing well though, we continue to drill for 2 hours each day"...SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag................................................................$165.00

1320 - WE ARE ON THE MOVE-ON TO PETERSBURG, Camp White, VA, May 10th, 1864. 3 pages in bold pencil with a stamped cover postmarked Alexandria, VA, from Sergt. Edger Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part..."We have started for the front, we left Fort Richardson today about noon and are in little shelter tents, we carry our houses and beds on our backs but the officers don't, one good thing is they let us leave our dress coats behind, I can't write much as I have nothing to write on but my knee. I can't write with a pen so I hope you can read this. I do not know how quick you will received this as we will travel by water and it may be a week before I can mail it," Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and cover................................................$85.00

1321 - WE ARE NINE MILES FROM RICHMOND, Camp near Petersburg, VA, May 15th, 1864. 3 pages in pencil from Sergt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery to Mary, comes with a stamped cover postmarked OLD POINT COMFORT, VA. He relates in part..."We have pork and crackers and coffee when we are not too lazy to cook it, we have our siege train with us and are now with General Butler...we expect to be engaged in battle each day, at present we are nine miles from the City of Richmond." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and cover...........................$85.00

1322 - BOYS CAME IN AFTER BEING UNDER FIRE FOR EIGHT DAYS, Camp near Petersburg, VA, May 18th, 1864. 3 pages in bold pencil by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery. He relates to Mary in part..."I see the 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, and 21st Connecticut Regiments. They are all within 2 miles of here. We are among the reserve artillery now. We have very little to eat but crackers and hard pork and hardly enough of that, I have not had a good nights sleep since we left Alexandria and have not taken my clothes off for nine days. I have never witnessed such times. Some boys from Burlington came in from the field after being under the enemy's fire for eight days steady." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, good letter from Bennett just before he was thrust into action.........................................$110.00

12271 - WE ARE IN THE PRINCIPAL POINT FOR THE REBELS TO ATTACK US, PUTTING UP PROTECTION FOR THE GUN, June 9th, 1864, Camp in the field. A hurried pencil 2 page letter by Sgt. Edgar B. Bennett of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to his fiancée Mary. He relates in part to her..."We are still under the fire of the Rebels, everybody is at work to protect themselves. My detachment is putting up mantelet in front of the gun to protect from fragments of shells coming through the embrasure and killing the men. You perhaps have seen in the papers about General Terry's brigade and about his front having to do all the artillery fighting. General Terry [Alfred Howe terry Brig. Gen.] is commander of the X Corps. He is in our works all the time the firing is going on for we are at the principal point for the Rebs to attack. It is an open field in front of us." Letter comes with the stamped cover as well as SILK FRAGMENTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG OF THE 1ST CONN. HEAVY ARTILLERY...Bennett was later wounded in front of Petersburg by a saber cut and captured in March of 1865. His regiment manned the famous mortar "Dicator" that fired on Petersburg from a railroad car......................................................................$195.00

1323 - VIRGINIA IS QUITE A GRAVE YARD, MORE WILL DIE IF GRANT MOVES AGAIN THIS MONTH, Camp in the field near Petersburg, VA, June 12th, 1864. 3 pages in bold pencil by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part..."The Signal Officers say that Grant will try and move again this week, a lot of soldiers will get killed or wounded if he does. The 2nd Connecticut Vol. Infantry has lost 385 men in their regiment...we get two loves of soft bread a week and the rest is crackers, Virginia has to be quite a grave yard! I got to go outside our lines to see the Rebel shells they have thrown over here and not burst. They could be picked up by the wagonloads but no ones dare to touch them. It is a sad sight to see the headboards of dead soldiers from our regiment...when the Rebs are quite we go to the steam and wash up." Comes with a stamped cover postmarked OLD POINT COMFORT, VA. SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter, cover and remnants of the flag........................................$145.00

1324 - CAMP NEAR PETERSBURG, VA, June 20th, 1864. One page letter in pencil to Mary by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery. He relates in this short letter "we have not have had any fighting since Saturday, today it is quite on our front," SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and remnants of the flag.............................$75.00

1325 - THERE IS FIGHTING ON BOTH SIDE OF US, CANNONS CAN BE HEARD FOR MILES, Camp in the field near Petersburg, VA, June 27th, 1864. 3 pages in bold pencil [very light stains], to Mary from Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part, "Myself and 13 other men were moved to what is called a redon and about 300 yards from the Rebel pickets. Our company is the only one left here as the rest of the regiment has gone to Petersburg...yesterday they were fighting on both sides of us and very hard. The cannon can be heard for miles. Our Colonel has left us and is now on General Grant's staff and our Major is now on General Terry's Staff so we have but one staff officer. The other day they gave us pickles and onions, peppers and cabbages and soft bread. We have plenty to eat and drink and some fresh beef...sometimes draw him and bacon, we do not know where Grant is?" Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter comes with a stamped postal cover postmarked OLD POINT COMFORT, VA, an excellent letter and cover.......................................$145.00

1325A - REDAN #2 NEAR THE JAMES RIVER, FIGHTING ALL AROUND US TODAY, June 30th, 1864. Two pages in pencil written in the field by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part..."I am very anxious here and hope to be able to rejoin my company and am keeping a eye for a company of the 13th NY Artillery to relieve me, there has been hard fighting all around us today, we expect fighting in our front and there is every indication of it now, most of our regiment is a Petersburg...I must go as the officer in charge has sent for me." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar. An interesting letter when his redan was just about to be attacked.......................................$95.00

1325B - ALL THE COMPANIES HAVE LOST MEN ON THIS TOUR, WE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN GRANT, Camp in the field [on James River], July 4th, 1864. 3 pages in pencil to Minnie [Mary] by Srgt. Edgar B. Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..., "The regiment is broken up in several camps, we have lost a number of men, Company I lost 7, Company D has lost 3 or 4, and the other companies more or less. They have been fighting at Petersburg quite hard and the same for Grant here as it was with Old Abe at the fair in Philadelphia. [Lincoln's Philadelphia Speech in June asked for more troops for General Grant's Army] Grant will fight it out on this line if it takes all summer but we all have faith in General Grant." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and stamped cover. 2 items............................$115.00

1326 - THERE HAS BEEN HARD FIGHTING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE JAMES RIVER, THE SOLDIERS DON'T LIKE ABE, Battery Anderson, VA, August 20th, 1864. 3 pages in ink to Mary by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, letter and stamped cover OLD POINT COMFORT, VA. He relates in part..."There has been hard fighting on the north side of the James River for several days past. We still remain in our battery...Petersburg is the same it has been for the past two months. There is a great deal of talk of politics here and most of the soldiers in for McClellan. THERE IS LITTLE SAID IN FAVOR OF ABE, THEY DON'T LIKE HIM AT ALL." SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter, cover and remnants of the flag.............................$145.00

1327 - THE 6TH AND 7TH CONNECTICUT REGIMENTS HAVE BEEN IN ALL THE ENGAGEMENTS, Battery Anderson, VA, August 29th, 1864. 3 pages in ink to Mary by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."The 6th and 7th Regiments have been in all the engagements this side of the James River and the north side too, and they have now gone to Petersburg, he feels that along with many others the war was right." SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter, stamped cover and remnants of the flag............................................$125.00

1328 - THE CONFEDERATE BATTERY AT DUTCH GAP THREW SHELLS WEIGHING 200# INTO OUR BATTERY, September 11th, 1864, Battery Sawyer, VA. 3 page letter in ink to Mary from Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."We have not gone to Petersburg yet as we were ordered...as long as I have been in the Army I have never witnessed what I did yesterday...the Rebs have what we call the Howlett House Battery [at Dutch Gap]. It commands the river around Turkey Bend. At about 12 o'clock they with 20# Parrott guns began to shell us in our battery. We had not fired a shot when the Howlett House Battery opened up on us and with the great guns they threw shells that weighted 200 pounds right into our battery. Nothing ever made me afraid before then since I have been in the Army. They continued their fire for two hours...they burst their shells in our battery...we were all covered with dirt several times."  Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, an excellent letter by Bennett.....................................................$165.00

1329 - WE MOVE TO PETERSBURG TOMORROW, Battery Anderson, VA, September 12th, 1864. Two pages in ink to Mary from Srgt. Edgar Bennett, written on his personal stationary...Company K, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in a short letter to Mary..."We go to Petersburg tomorrow morning the 13th, I must make this short as we are packing for the move in the morning," Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, unique stationary by Bennett, Seal with Eagle, fine........................................$95.00

1330 - THE SHARPSHOOTERS KEEP UP THEIR DEADLY WORK, Battery #10 near Petersburg, VA, September 27th, 1864. Two pages in ink to Mary from Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."We have not heard the particulars from Butler's lines but there has been fighting that has lasted two days...the Sharpshooters keep up their deadly work. They kill three or four each day, Oh it is awful to see how they work for it as it is sure death for the men they take aim at!", Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and stamped cover postmarked Washington, 2 items...............................................$145.00

12272 - HE HOPED MCCLELLAN BECOMES PRESIDENT AS HE VOTED FOR HIM, THINKS MAC HAS THE VOTING MAJORITY IN HIS COMPANY, BEFORE PETERSBURG, A BLACK REPUBLICAN ISSUES A THREAT ON HIS VOTE, Before Petersburg, October 21st, 1864. 3 pages letter by Sgt Edgar B. Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part to her..."There is fighting going on all the time North of the James River, the cannonading has been heard here distinctly for several days...On the 19th, the appointed men of the Governor came to pick up the votes of the 1st Connecticut Vol. Artillery. They arrived and took the votes. I had but one vote and voted for George McClellan but for no one else. Oh there was some hard talk. One "Back Republican" said when I took my vote and sealed it that a man who would vote that ticket ought to have his throat cut...there was quite a bit of McClellan men near and we delivered the votes to Captain Bruster. It was all done in 15 minutes time. There were about 47 votes in the company and as near as we could learn "Mac":  had the majority by 6 or 7. I hope he will get in as President. It would be worth a great deal to all of us." An excellent letter regarding the election of 1864 between Lincoln and McClellan. Bennett was later wounded in front of Petersburg by a saber cut and captured in March of 1865. His regiment manned the famous mortar "Dictator" that fired on Petersburg from a railroad car......................................................................$140.00

1330A - GRANT HAD TO LEAVE THE DEAD AND WOUNDED ON THE FIELD AS LEE WAS TOO STRONG, October 30th, 1864. 3 pages in ink to Mary, before Petersburg, VA, by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He relates in part, "The army has earned me a good lesson I will never forget and many others will not forget either, Grant's move on the left resulted him leaving the field with his dead and wounded on it for Lee was too strong for him to take Petersburg or Richmond. When Grant left the field he left 180 wounded or thereabouts, perhaps more for the Rebels to take care of. Oh how sad it will make the mothers and Sisters of those who were left on the field to die in such a horrible death as they would have to if they died there." Bennett was later wounded in front of Petersburg by a saber cut and captured in March of 1865. His regiment manned the famous mortar "Dictator" that fired on Petersburg from a railroad car, comes with a stamped cover cancelled Washington, 2 items...................................................$170.00

1331 - THE PAPERS SAY LINCOLN IS RE ELECTED, before Petersburg, VA, November 11th, 1864. Two pages in ink by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part, "One year today I was in Washington receiving greenbacks for three more years, but now what they are trying to do but offering $1800 in greenbacks or $1000 in gold for 5 years in the regular army, those who have served one year will get a 60 day furlough but I don't think so much of it...THE NEWSPAPERS SAY LINCOLN IS REELECTED BUT I HOPE HE IS NOT...we have a new Captain and he is a good one. He is rough but we all know him", Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter and stamped cover postmarked Washington, 2 items................................$125.00

1332 - THANKSGIVING IN CAMP 1864, Before Petersburg, VA, November 25th, 1864. Three pages in ink to Mary by Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."Today I got for my battery of 16 men, two geese and a turkey, we had a fashionable dinner with potatoes...the pickets were quiet yesterday from shooting, describes the scene when the soldiers got drunk from whiskey...I have never seen so many drunk in camp, it was disgraceful to see," SILK REMNANTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG INCLUDED, Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. Comes with remnants of silk from the regimental flag of the 1st Ct. Heavy Artillery. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter, stamped cover and remnants of the flag..............................................$115.00

1333 - HARD FIGHTING TO OUR LEFT THIS MORNING, Before Petersburg, December 5th, 1864. 4 pages in ink by Srgt. Edgar Bennett to Mary. He relates in part, "There are great moves being made in the Army and we think that there will be a great battle fought before long, I used to smoke quite a bit but I will now stop. With a friend we both will stop smoking pipes nor any tobacco except segars [?] until we get in garrison duty again, I think it shall be a good thing for us both...since morning there has been some hard fighting to the left of us, they could not send up our bread today due to the fighting on our left," Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter with stamped cover....................................................$90.00

1334 - GRANT WAS NOT AS SUCCESSFUL AS HOPED, Before Petersburg, December 16th, 1864. Three pages in ink to Mary by Srgt. Edgar B. Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."Grant was not as successful as he might have been, no one knows about the great move Grant was going to make to annihilate the Rebel Army, we all want to see our General R. O. Tyler...Colonel Abbott is appointed Brig. General so we will soon have a new Colonel. There are rumors that the Rebels are evacuating Petersburg." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter with stamped cover..............................................$100.00

1335 - BUTLER CONTINUES ON HIS CANAL, THE OFFICERS ARE STILL DRUNK, Before Petersburg, January 2nd, 1865. 3 pages in ink to Mary by Srgt. Edgar B. Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery. He relates in part..."Yesterday, Sunday was the first time we ever had orders not to fire on Sunday and I think it was on account the Commanding general knew that the officers would get drunk and then try an see what they could do, some of the officers were drunk all Saturday night and they have not gotten sober yet. Such a crowd of officers I have never seen in the Army in my life as we are getting these days for they spend more on whiskey than their pay amounts to...Butler continues on his canal at the James River." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter with stamped cover......................................................$100.00

1336 - THE REBELS CAME UP LAST NIGHT AND BUILT A SHANTY IN FRONT OF THE PICKETS, Before Petersburg, VA, January 8th, 1865. 3 pages in ink by Srgt. Edgar B. Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part..."The Rebels came out last night, they had the impatience to come out in front of their picket line and put up some sort of a shanty. For what it is for nobody knows. Some think it is for sharpshooters...the muddy conditions are so bad we can hardly wall." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter with stamped cover......................................$100.00

1337 - NEWS OF THE PEACE COMMISSIONERS, Before Petersburg, January 11th, 1865. Three pages in ink from Srgt. Edgar Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part..."He has heard that there is a report of the Peace Commissioners at the camp, talks of the snowfall and the boys playing in the snow before it melts, he mentions that soldiers are being sent to a school," Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter with stamped cover.....................................$70.00

1338 - OUR WORKS HAVE CAVED IN TO OUR MAGAZINE, Before Petersburg, January 22nd, 1865. 3 pages in ink by Srgt. Edgar B. Bennett, Co. K, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to Mary. He relates in part..."The works have all caved in even to our magazine and we have been rebuilding them night and day...as the tops of the magazine are higher than our breastworks we have to work at night [to avoid being shot by sharpshooters], wonders when some of the men are that went towards Charleston as they have not arrived at Wilmington, we think they will meet Sherman in Charleston." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in march 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter with stamped cover.......................$100.00

1339 - I HOPE FOR A FURLOUGH, Before Petersburg, January 26th, 1865. Two pages in pen to Mary by Srgt. Edgar B. Bennett, Co. K, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery to his fiancée Mary Marsh. He states that..."his is one of three furloughs pending approval at Headquarters, if he gets one it will be for only 15 days and much of that time will be taken up by traveling back and forth from home, the news is quiet there." Bennett was later wounded in the hand by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg in March 1865. A famous unit at Petersburg that manned the famous "Dictator" mortar, letter with cover [stamped removed]..............................................$55.00

1340 - THE REBELS ARE HAVING A LARGE NUMBER OF FIRES IN PETERSBURG, Before Petersburg, VA, March 23rd, 1865. Two pages in ink to Mary for Srgt. Edgar B. Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery. He relates in part to her..."The rebels are having a large number of fires in Petersburg of late. They had two there today...mentions he just got a cat and the boys named her "Sesesh" since she came from Petersburg." Probably the last letter Bennett wrote before his being wounded by a saber cut and taken prisoner near Petersburg. This regiment manned the huge mortar called the "Dictator" during the Petersburg siege......................................................$85.00

12263 - A GROUPING OF CIVIL WAR LETTERS, 11 letters, 10 Union and 1 Confederate. The Confederate letter is dated at Lynchburg, VA, mentions his wound healing [bold pencil], the other 10 Union letters are datelined from Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The content is mostly camp discussions, one from a hospital, two in bold pencil, the remainder in ink. Dates vary from 1862-64, one undated. One letter is fringed with red/blue ink [patriotic]. Condition is very good to very fine. An excellent little grouping of authentic Civil War letters at a very moderate price. Just as we bought them in a small collection and having spent no time to transcribe they are a bargain at........................................$295.00

12265 - 34TH MASS INFANTRY, DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON, PATRIOTIC STATIONARY, October 17th, 1862. 4 pages letter from Diedric M. Day, Co. G., 34th Mass. Rose colored Miss Liberty patriotic stationary with horn of plenty in arms. To his Mother...He has learned that a great battle has been fought in Tennessee and the Rebels have been badly whipped and many of their officers killed and captured, another battle in Kentucky. He expects a great battle to be fought soon in Virginia and a force of about 8000 are moving towards Richmond, he understands 10,000 Rebel cavalry are in this valley marching upon Alexandria. We have not seen them yet although our outposts have been driven in once, he mentions the strings of forts around the city, many thousands of Union soldiers and artillery are in position around Washington, if they come they will meet with a warm reception........................................$115.00

12266 - GREAT PATRIOTIC LETTERSHEET, BREAKING UP JEFF DAVIS' BALL, October 9th, 1864, West Point, VA. Three pages ink letter by Lt. David S. Harpet, 179th PA, fantastic letter sheet "How the Veterans broke up Jeff Davis' Ball", great vignettes with 6 eight line stanzas, the letter vividly describes his visit to Washington, the post office, Treasury, the Capital and the Whitehouse..."went into Old Abe's room but he was not there and had just left about five minutes before but some of the boys saw him...moved down the Potomac by boat to City Point and then threw up breastworks, the trench is about 10 miles long, they are within 15 miles of Richmond, the Rebels are within three miles, heavy cannon firing, they have a report that General Butler took two rebel gunboats, feels safe where they are...he will never desert...remarks that the substitutes are used hard and sent to the hardest places, carloads after carloads are being sent to the front. Comes with a cover with Harpel's name and address as he abruptly ends the letter without signing it.............................................................................$125.00

12267 - 1ST CONNECTICUT CAVALRY, JACKSON HAS TO RETREAT FROM MANASSAS AND HAS TO COME THIS WAY, Datelined Camp Duryea 1862, patriotic stationary "The War for the Union", red and blue battle scene. 4 page bold pencil letter from Lucius E. Holcomb, Company A, 1st Connecticut Cavalry. He relates in part..."There is one regiment here with us now with two cannons, there was other cavalry here the other day and had five Rebel prisoners, they crossed the river and put the stars and stripes on the courthouse, there has been about 100 of them taken [prisoners], there were 12 taken in one night. We are camped on the property of an old secessionist and he offered us $1000 not to camp on his farm, and we made him take the Oath of Allegiance. We expect that General Jacson [Jackson] has to retreat from Manassas and that he has to come this way..." Although this letter is just dated "1862", Holcomb died on July 30th, 1862 thus the letter was probably written from April-July 1862 based on Jackson's movements during that period. Nice letter sheet..............................................................................$125.00

12268 - 3RD VERMONT INFANTRY, 5TH US CAVALRY, CAMP BELTON, VA, October 31st, 1863. 4 page letter in ink from George M. Harriman 3rd VT Infantry later US 5th Cav., Camp Belton, VA. Mentions they constantly move their camps around, wishes they would get paid soon, those at home state that they wish that they could kill a Rebel as they go out and kill game but if you can see they way they fight your would change their minds for they fight hard and whip us sometimes. The Rebels are only four miles away and a fight will ensue if they don't move across the river. They are only a few miles north of the river and it would be easy for them to get across. 5th US Cavalry:  The regiment's history began in 1855, organizing on 28 May 1855 as the 2nd United States Cavalry Regiment at Louisville, Kentucky. A few months later, on 27 September 1855, under the command of Col. Albert Sidney Johnston, the regiment marched west to Texas to fight in its first Indian Campaign. Later on, Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee succeeded Colonel Johnston as the commander. The regiment fought in a total of thirteen Indian Campaigns, symbolized by the arrow head shaped regimental crest. Other officers of the regiment who became prominent in the American Civil War besides Johnson and Lee were Majors William J. Hardee and George H. Thomas; Captains Earl Van Dorn, George Stoneman, and Edmund Kirby Smith; and Lieutenants John Bell Hood and Fitzhugh Lee. Early in 1861, the regiment went to Carlisle Barracks, where the officers and men loyal to the South left the regiment to serve in the Confederacy. Lieutenant Colonel Lee was replaced by t. Col. George Henry Thomas. In the summer of 1861, the regiment was re-designated as the 5th United States Cavalry; the numerical designation it holds to this day. During the Civil War, the troopers of the 5th Cavalry made a gallant charge at Gaines' Mill on 27 June 1862, saving the Union artillery from annihilation. This battle is commemorated on the regimental crest by the Cross moline, in the yellow field on the lower half of the crest. This letter was written while he served in the 5th US Cavalry. Very scarce unit...........................................................$150.00

12270 - REPORTS ON THE FIGHTING NEAR GETTYSBURG, THERE WILL BE A GREAT BATTLE FOUGHT TODAY, July 4th, 1863. Four page letter in ink datelined Fort Richardson, VA by Sgt. Edgar B. Bennett, 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery to his fiancée Mary, comes with stamped postal cover along with RED AND BLUE SILK FRAGMENTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL FLAG OF HIS UNIT. He relates in part to her..."The two contending armies have met and are fighting desperately in Maryland, and I think today will be a great battle as it is the 4th of July. If they fight today it will be as large a battle as in on record [Gettysburg]. Describes his past 4th of July's in the army, Hagerstown, Harrison's Landing, more". Bennett was later wounded in front of Petersburg by a saber cut and captured in March of 1863. His regiment manned the famous mortar "Dictator" that fired on Petersburg from a railroad car. Letter, cover, flag fragments....................................................................$150.00 SOLD

11242 - DURING THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE, A DELAWARE INDIAN SOLDIER STABBED A NEGRO, HOOKER CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK, May the 4th, 1863, two page letter in ink from Cunningham Johnston, 118th PA. He relates to his friend, Mr. Hiram Whitford, Thank you for your letter received. I am not very well as I have a bad cold. There are a lot of fellows went out on a scout today and don't know whether they will fetch anything but they generally do. One of the "Darkey's" asked one of the Delaware for two dollars that he owed him and the Delaware stabbed him [Delaware Indians served the Union during the war many as scouts]. They had him in jail and he got out last Saturday. They found him at Williamsburg and they fetched him back. Our fellows still hold Williamsburg and they calculate they hold it. General Hooker has crossed the river Rappahannock and has killed from three to five hundred and has taken a lot of prisoners besides. I guess Hooker calculates to cut off their supplies and tear up their railroads. Last Friday the rebs came within three of four miles of our picket lines and took off a lot of Darkeys. Our fellows went out last Saturday and seen lot of Rebel cavalry and saw them at night again but they didn't come close to do anything...he tells them to make sure they put up all the oats they can...from Cunningham [Johnston]. After the "Mud March", the 118th returned to camp at Falmouth, which it occupied until April 27, 1863. It was closely engaged at the Battle of Chancellorsville, again suffering considerable casualties. The 118th was in camp at Falmouth until June 10 when the Army of the Potomac commenced its northward movement for the Gettysburg Campaign. The Corn Exchange Regiment acted as support in the cavalry engagements of Aldie, Upperville, and Middleburg. The regiment reached Gettysburg early on July 2, 1863. At four o'clock that afternoon, the 118th went into action in support of Maj. Gen. Daniel Sickles' III Corps and was closely engaged, losing 3 killed, 19 wounded, and 3 missing or captured. On the 3rd, the regiment was moved to Big Round Top, where it remained without engagement. Following the battle, it then joined in the pursuit of the retreating Confederates and encountered the enemy on July 4. This letter was written near Falmouth, VA, before Johnston was engaged in the actual battle where the Federal army had established a base for the battle. Fine, rare content mentioning an Indian killing a black. Johnston was later a POW at Cold Harbor..........................................................$250.00 SOLD

11240 - MORGAN'S OHIO RAID 1863 PAYMENT FOR REPELLING INVASION, it was one of the boldest cavalry operations of the Civil War. In July of 1863, General John Hunt Morgan led 2,500 Confederate cavalryman on a daring, three-week raid through Indiana and Ohio. Morgan and his men eluded pursuing Federal cavalry, diverted Federal troops and resources and delayed important Northern military operations. In the beleaguered South, news of Morgan's Raid boosted morale. Morgan and his cavalrymen were relentlessly pursued by determined Federal cavalry commanded by Generals Edward H. Hobson and Henry M. Judah. They met staunch resistance by Midwestern civilians throughout the length of their raid. In Montgomery, Ohio -- a village near Cincinnati -- Morgan's Raiders received a chilly reception from defiant townspeople. With Northern forces closing in, Morgan's harried troops pushed on across Ohio. Five days after Morgan's men entered Montgomery, Hobson's and Judah's Federal troops overtook the Rebel raiders at Buffington Island, Ohio and captured approximately 700 Southern soldiers. Morgan and his men raced northward, but were finally cornered in northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border. There, on July 26, 1863, Morgan was faced to surrender his command near West Point, Ohio -- barely 70 miles from Lake Erie. Although Morgan would daringly escape from imprisonment and return to Confederate command, he would be mortally wounded on another raid. In the South, his exploits would become part of the legacy of the Lost Cause. In Ohio, generations to come would recall the days when the citizens of the Buckeye State defied the Rebel Raiders in the alarming time of Morgan's Ohio Raid. This raid also resulted in destruction of farms and loss of stock as a result of Morgan's foraging of the countryside as well as destroying important inter structure to hinder pursuit. The Treasurer's disbursement voucher below was used in payment for militia soldiers [citizen volunteers] who rose up to defend the State from Morgan's Invasion. Morgan struck 49 Ohio towns during his infamous raid. These vouchers were issued in Columbus in 1864 well after a year from the date of Morgan's Invasion and are noted "for repelling Invasion." Very fine examples...................$75.00/each

8080 - HIS NEPHEW IS A POW IN RICHMOND, HAD THE LOCK SHOT OFF HIS GUN AT THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, Dora, Wabash County, Indiana, April 4th, 1864. 4 page letter to a friend in New Jersey from Thomas Gibb regarding his travels and business endeavors and he relates in detail the fate of his nephew. He relates about his business ventures, he mentions that his brother's youngest son is a prisoner in Richmond now, he was taken with a squad of 27 who were on the advance of duty with Meade on the Rapidan. They were not given notice when the army retreated. The whole squad were left and taken by the Rebels. They have a letter from him and He is well and in good spirits. The same boy fought through the Gettysburg battle. His regiment went into the fight with 600 men and came out with 200. He not gets a scratch. He had the lock shot off his gun in his hand at the barrel, but no harm came to him. Butternuts have been enlisting strongly. A great many have reenlisted. The 47th have gone into Illinois to quell a butternut rising where. Where they will kill and confiscate the whole of them...The Charleston Riot occurred on March 28, 1864, in Charleston, Illinois, after Union soldiers and local Republicans clashed with local insurgents known as Copperheads. By the time the riot had subsided, nine were dead and twelve had been wounded. The terms Copperhead and Butternuts were used to describe the larger movement, which has been known as Peace Democrats. This political affiliation which stirred up support, as David Montgomery points out in Beyond Equality: Labor and the Radical Republicans, by incorporating the fears that the federal government's war effort sought to usurp the constitution. The copperheads incorporated a racial component to their disdain for the Northern war effort, as Montgomery points out, that emancipated Negroes would flood the North, because of the Emancipation Proclamation. Using racially charged rhetoric, Copperheads sought to unite opposition to the Radical Republicans. This had become a national phenomenon during the American Civil War. Southern sympathizers were battling to keep their country from becoming, in their eyes, too radical. A quite interesting war period letter with a stamped cover..................................................$165.00

8081 - "HERE IS A PIECE OF A UNION FLAG THAT WAS CAPTURED BY THE REBELS AND WE RECAPTURED IT AT THE BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK" - 138TH PA. VOLUNTEERS, Camp of the 138th PV, March 20th, 1865, two well written pages in ink by S. V. D. Wack, Co. C, 138th PA Vol to his sister. He relates in part...I received the paper and handkerchief this morning but will return the latter as it is too nice out here in this Godforsaken country, ENCLOSED PLEASE FIND A PIECE OF A FLAG CAPTURED FROM SOME UNION REGIMENT BY THE REBELS AND RECAPTURED BY THE 138TH AT THE BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK. Keep it for me...Tell Lizzie I have her blue bow yet and I means to carry it with me as long as I am in the service. Two of Sherman's scouts came into the lines of the 5th Corps last evening but where he is I do not know. They were seven days coming so he must be a long way off yet...mentions he gets a great many letters from ladies in PA and Jersey, S. V. D. Wack, 2nd Brigade 138th PA Vol., 2nd Brigade, 3rd Div. 6 Corps. Via Washington, DC. Srmattas V. D. Wack was a Corporal and enlisted August 26th, 1862. He was wounded at Cold Harbor and at Cedar Creek and finally mustered out with Company June 23rd, 1865. The 138th PA was at Winchester, September 19, Fisher's Hill, September 22. Battle of Cedar Creek October 19. Duty at Kernstown until December. Moved to Washington, DC, thence to Petersburg, VA, December. Siege of Petersburg December, 1864, to April, 1865. Fort Fisher, Petersburg, March 25, 1865. Appomattox Campaign March 28 - April 9. Assault on and fall of Petersburg April 2. Sailor's Creek April 6. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. March to Danville April 23 - 27, and duty there until May 23. This letter was written from the Petersburg area on March 20th, ATTRACTIVELY FRAMED WITH DOUBLE GLASS TO SHOW BOTH SIDES OF THE LETTER, FLAG REMNANT MEASURES 1" X 4". 8.5" X 14" framed..........................................$695.00

71147 - 1ST RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, CAPTAIN CHARLES H. THAYER, Carte de Viste of Captain Charles H. Thayer, Company C, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry by Addis of Washington signed in ink on the front as Lt. accompanying the Carte de Viste are three war dated letters in ink written by Thayer [a] Camp Sprague, Washington DC, June 21st, 1861 to his sister, three + pages in ink, 8" X 10", details his travels to Washington, did not go to Harpers Ferry as it was reported evacuated, had warm receptions, escorted with fife and drum, describes visiting the White House, Capital, Navy Yard, War department, etc. Other regiments have left the city for Virginia. They say Beauregard is advancing towards Washington, if he does he will have a great many soldiers to greet him, wants two gold dollars sent to him. C. H. Thayer, Company D, 1st Rhode Island Militia, [b] Camp of the Rhode Island Cavalry, Potomac Creek, VA, December 29th, 1862, 1 1/2 large pages in ink to his Mother with stamped cover addressed to her, he relates in part...part of the company is out on picket but I did not have to go as another Lt. from Company B, went in my place. I have just received orders to get the men ready with three days rations, I report to the Lt. Colonel of our regiment tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock. He is to have 500 men under his command, and others from another regiment for a "raid". I think our Colonel has another 500 men who will go in another direction. He describes in detail making a fireplace in his tent, digging down, placing flat stones, and making a chimney outside, C. H. Thayer, 1st RI Cavalry, [c] camp 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, Middletown, VA, October 29th, 1864, 4 pages in ink to his friend Rhodes. Who is another soldier, describes what he has been up to as a cavalryman, has been an Inspector General on Colonel Gibbs' Staff, an escort for General Torbert during battle acting ADC on his Staff. General Torbert went to Washington with an escort of 40 men as far as Martinsburg. Mentions a letter he received from a POW in a Charleston Hospital brought by an exchanged prisoner, discusses the trouble Rhodes was having in getting his resignation approved due to political actions by a senior officer who was making it difficult for him, mentions that the 1st NH [Cavalry] is a hell of a regiment but only has 75 men fit for duty, he is trying to get out of the service as many of his officers [he names] are devilish! Thayer was missing at Kelly's Ford and wounded there as well, promoted to Captain January 18th, 1863. Most of the regiment's service in 1862 [1st Rhode Island Cavalry] was in northern Virginia, where it served as scouts to determine enemy movements, as well as foraging for supplies and screening infantry movements. The troopers saw action contesting Stonewall Jackson's cavalry in the Valley Campaign. They fought in the Second Bull Run Campaign, as well as many other battles of note, including service in the cavalry actions surrounding the Battle of Fredericksburg. In 1863, they participated in the Chancellorsville Campaign, and played an important role in the opening battle of the Gettysburg Campaign at Brandy Station. Shortly thereafter, isolated and alone deep in Confederate territory on a scouting mission, they lost nearly 240 of their 280 remaining men at the June 17 skirmish at Middleburg. The regiment was refitted with new recruits and performed scouting and outpost duty along the upper Potomac River until September, when they rejoined the Army of the Potomac, participating in the Bristoe Campaign and Mine Run Campaign. The following year, the 1st Rhode Island served in the defenses of Washington DC before eventually returning to the Shenandoah Valley under the command of Philip H. Sheridan. Due to heavy battle losses, the regiment was consolidated to a battalion of four companies on January 1, 1865. They continued serving in the valley for much of the rest of the war before being mustered out at Baltimore, Maryland on August 3, 1865. 3 nice ink letters, one cover and pen ided CDV of Thayer at Lt. taken at Washington. A very scarce regiment............................................................................$385.00 SOLD

71148 - 2ND RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY, THREE LETTERS IN ONE, THE MARCH TOWARDS DOWNSVILLE, MD AFTER ANTIETAM, THE US HUSSIARS CAVALRY TAKEN TO BE CONFEDERATES BY THE 23RD PA, A LITTLE GIRL WITH A FLAG AND A PAIL OF WATER IN MARYLAND GREETING THE SOLDIERS' ARRIVAL, September 24th, 1862, Downsville, MD, 4 large pages that include three letters to three different family members, from Henry T. Blanchard, Co. K, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry [Sergeant October 5th, 1862]. The letters are in ink with an PS paragraph in pencil. He relates in part...[a] to his Father and Mother...we have marched hard to reach this town and hope we can settle in camp, the artillery horses in this division are poor as crows and it is as much as they can do to draw the guns and caissons. We need new clothing and hope to draw it soon as we are as ragged a lot soldiers you ever saw. Describes Downsville with having several stores, blacksmith, and a post office, [b] letter to his brother he relates in part....they have had two days rest and feel quite refreshed, since leaving Chain Bridge we have been continually on the march, the 23rd and the 36th NY are here guarding Edwards Ferry, the 23rd got in a skirmish with the Rebels and the Colonel and several men were wounded, Downsville was foot of Sugar Leaf Mountain, march several miles and crossed Monocracy Creek and halted just the other side of the mountain. I have seen a number of the PA Militia, a stout and robust lot wearing a variety of clothing and some riding splendid horses. Mentions that the US Chasseurs while on picket challenged some riders who were PA Militia but the riders did not understand the language and took to flight, some of our men who were outside our lines said that they saw some of the PA Militia running for their life. They took the Chasseurs for Rebels, [c] to his sister he relates in part...When we came through Berkettsville, MD, we saw a pretty little girl standing by her door with a small flag and a pail of water -  she was handing it out to tired and thirsty soldiers. The day before there was a terrible battle in the village and the residents had to keep in their cellars to avoid the shell and cannon balls. Henry L. B [Blanchard]. An excellent letter by Blanchard who was to die at the Wilderness on May 6th, 1864, on his regiments' movements coming into Maryland from the west. Excellent content from a scarce Regiment..........................................$155.00

71101 -  BUCKTAILS SHOOT REBELS, ABRAHAM BLAIR, 30TH PENNSYLVANIA INFANTRY, Headquarters, Virginia Regt., 1st Camp Pierpoint, Company B, to his friend Lew. He relates in part on attractive Patriotic stationary of the US Capital...I am at present on the sacred soil of Virginia..."The Capital is Safe", we had it pretty easy at Camp Wayne, we are encamped in a fine place. It is beautiful country even though invaded by an army. Last Friday we left this camp on a reconnoitering party up the country about 15 miles taking our knap sacks and driving the sneaky Rebels on before us like dogs. We marched on till about 6 o'clock and turned into a field where we cooked our supper and then we fell back about two miles and then camped for the night and slept on the soft ground as we had not taken our tents along. Colonel Kane's regiment [the Bucktails] went out scouting on Sunday and shot 4 or 5 Rebels and they were coming in the evening and Company E of our regiment was out on picket and a few shots were exchanged between them by mistake but luckily no one was hurt. That caused an alarm in our camp and our company was sent out on picket at 8 o'clock. I tell you the next time I go "peddling" for Uncle Sam I will go on horseback [Cavalry]. I don't believe in carrying a heavy pack for a long march. We have to go on dress parade now with knapsacks. We may move soon and you will hear of a battle soon and if you hear of the 1st Brigade being in it, you may know that the "Union Guard" was in it and take my word for it we will be the last to run...Abraham Blair. Although Bair does not date this well written letter, the 30th PA was at Camp Pierpoint from October 1861 - March 1862. He enlisted in July 1861 and saw action at Mechanicsville. Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bulls Run and Antietam. He was discharged due to disability in October 1862.............................................................$195.00 SOLD

7TH RHODE ISLAND INFANTRY

HERBERT DANIELS CORRESPONDENCE

Hebert Daniel enlisted as a Private in the 7th Rhode Island Infantry in 1862 and served throughout the war until his discharge in June 1865. His correspondence is directed to Mrs. Salina Waterson who apparently was a widow with two young daughters. Either the husband died of natural causes or she was the widow of John Waterson of the 18th NY who died in July 1861 at Fairfax Courthouse [the only KIA possibility]. Her husband is never mentioned in any letters by Herbert from 1862-65. While Herbert did not write "blood and guts" letters, his letters are filled with sexual connotations which are rare in Civil War correspondence. Either the soldier was too prudish to write such passages, or if he did, the woman on the receiving end destroyed the correspondence for fear of embarrassment at a later date by the letters being read by others. A photograph of Herbert is shown to the right from the regimental history of the 7th Rhode Island Infantry. The letters begin with enlistment camp, his travels in Kentucky, Maryland, and finally in Virginia. In nearly every letter, he expresses his desires for Salina to be with him in his or her bedroom.

51901 - THE 7TH RHODE ISLAND GAINING RECRUITS, TWO SMALL DRUMMER BOYS AMONG THE NEW ADDITIONS TO THE REGIMENT, DESCRIBES OUTFITTING THE TROOPS, MEDIAL EXAMINATIONS, Providence, RI, June 1st, 1862, 8 bold pages. A nice lavender stamped cover is included, by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part, there is confusion in camp, 5 recruits were brought in, no doctor to examine them, no officer to swear them in, including two little drummer boys there are seven new recruits, we later found the young soldiers at the wharf at Fox Point, he gives details how the new soldiers were finally processed and clothed - they got blankets, overcoats, underclothing - they strapped on their knapsacks and marched into camp - he looked after the two young drummer boys who had not yet been sworn in. They say they are used to the routine as they served 9 months in the 29th Mass. and were in the Balls Bluff fight. An excellent early letter about the filling of ranks with new recruits for the 7th RI Infantry by Daniels...............................................$95.00

51902 - DESCRIBES UNION SOLDIERS SACKING FREDERICKSBURG, February 22nd, 1863. 8 pages in ink with a postal cover OLD POINT CONFORT, VA, CDS, DUE 3 in manuscript by Pvt. Herbert Daniels to his lover Salina. Daniels was in the 7th RI Infantry. He relates in part...he describes the cold weather and on picket duty, terrible weather with rain and snow, a terrible wind storm his camp, makes a mentions of the soldiers trying to haul items out of Fredericksburg, some got as far as the bridge with items, they tried to take the whole city, some got sofas and carpets for their tents, there was houses demolished for their bricks for fireplaces in camp...I went there I could not even find nails, others were digging up the foundations for chimneys, loaded with many more details. After the battle of Fredericksburg the weather turned horrible in the following two months with thousands of Union troops camped in the vicinity many obviously took advantage of the town's proximity to acquire materials for making their miserable camp life more bearable, a great commentary on the sack of  Fredericksburg in January - February 1863................................$125.00

51903 - HAS A GAY LIFE IN CAMP, THEIR NEW HOUSE IS COMPLETED, THE DRUMMER WHO TENTS WITH US BROUGHT A VIOLIN, LIFE IN CAMP IN KENTUCKY, April 5th, 1863. 3 plus large pages in ink with a stamped postal cover addressed to his sweetheart Salina by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry. He relates in part...They went to get some boards and three of them built a small house to live in while they are guarding the city, they used straw and rubber blankets on the floor and it is the best house in camp...we just had a Sunday inspection by the Colonel and the major, he mentions peddlers bringing into camp everything they could want...goose eggs are 5 cents each...the DRUMMER who tents with us brought in a violin, mentions that the 36th Regiment moved into camp last night. A well written letter by Daniels giving many more details of their makeshift camp in Kentucky..........................................$75.00

51904 - HOOKER HAS BEEN FIGHTING THEM FOR A WEEK, Near Richmond, KY, April 22, 1863. 3 page letter in ink from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol., to Salina. He relates in part...He describes their new camp near a peaceful cemetery, they are 26 miles from Lexington, news that Hooker has been fighting them for a week and at last succeeded in driving them from the heights of Fredericksburg...his Captain went and got his letters as the mail is backed up, the brigade and the ambulances arrived yesterday from Newport News. "If you came here you should be afraid if being kissed to death, many officers have been without a tent for a week, it is a great undertaking to move an entire army." Daniels had arrived first with the commanding officers as he was the regimental clerk, the remainder of his regiment was in transit to Kentucky, comes with a nice stamped cover cancelled RICHMOND, KY.........................................$75.00

51905 - A LOVE SICK SOLDIER GET A BOX FROM HOME, Wednesday, August 11th, 1863. Three pages in ink from Lexington, KY by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol., to his sweetheart Salina...mentions that the "box" came that morning and he is still going over his treasures, Lt. Bates has been re-appointed, he has not been home or taken off his shoulder straps, mentions taking photos, tins in particular, an officer friend has a splendid photo album, he goes over the contents of the box, ate some of the food at the top, compliments her about a fine vest she has sent. Wishes you were here to put your arm around my neck and give me a sweet kiss, I mean a thousand...good night with a kiss. The letter is accompanied by a stamped envelope postmarked Lexington, KY. Well written.............................................$75.00

51906 - IF YOU COME HERE WE CAN HAVE BREAKFAST IN BED AND HAVE A LITTLE "NIG" BRING IT TO US, October 15th, 1863. 4 page letter in ink with a stamped cover postmarked Lexington, KY by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Volunteers to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...An officer saw Salina's photo and asked who she was and Daniels replied that it was his aunt to continue to hide his relationship "I was very glad to get your picture but I must say I like the original", he describes in detail his clothing needs..."If you are here I will get you breakfast in bed or we can have a little "Nig" bring it to us, bought milk in town in a tin pail and it was sour by the time he got back to camp. Much camp news, well written.........................................$75.00

51907 - WE MAY LEAVE FOR TENNESSEE, October 18th, 1863. 6 pages in ink with a postal cover stamped and cancelled LEXINGTON, KY by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry to his sweetheart Salina. He describes his camp in detail, lots of camp news, mentions her recent visit to Crab Apple, they are hearing reports that they may go to Tennessee. A very newsy letter with a nice stamped cover from Kentucky. Well written by Daniels.............................................$59.00

51908 - THE REGIMENT IS TOO WEAK TO GO TO KNOXVILLE, MANY ILL, THE OFFICERS ARE DOING EVERYTHING TO REVERSE THE ORDER TO LEAVE, October 22nd, 1863. 3 pages 8" X 10" on imprinted stationary OFFICE OF MILITARY COMMANDANT, LEXINGTON, KY by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol. He relates in part...he is now in the office of the Post Commandant in Lexington, they have a fear that the regiment will be sent to Knoxville but the regiment has 15% on the sick list and many others could not make an ordinary march. The officers are trying everything they can to get the order revoked...describes the situation where his friend "P" was under arrest for a month last May involving a young lady from the Female Seminary near Crab Orchard, he said it was the result of a Secsh trying to cause trouble, however the Colonel endorsed his statement and he was cleared of charges. The letter is accompanied by a nice stamped postal cover postmarked Lexington, KY...........................................$95.00

51909 - COLONEL GRIFFIN HAS INFORMED GENERAL BURNSIDE THE REGIMENT SHOULD NOT BE MOVED, October 23rd, 1864, 8" X 10" stationary OFFICE OF MILITARY COMMANDANT, LEXINGTON, KY. 3 large pages by Pvt. Herbert Daniels to Salina. He relates in part...He has received the Boston papers and Harpers Weekly...Captain Joyce has had a conversation with Colonel Griffin acting Brig. General and the Colonel has telegraphed General Burnside that it would be of no use to move us now and he is awaiting the General's reply. The officers say we could not move more than 25 men to Knoxville. Makes a naughty note "Where shall I hide my head when I get home." Letter comes with a nice stamped postal cover postmarked Lexington, KY. Well written by Daniels.............$85.00

51910 - HE WILL PUT THIS LETTER IN A VERY SMALL ENVELOPE SO YOU CAN PUT IT YOU KNOW WHERE - WHEN I WISH I WAS AT THIS MOMENT, Lexington, KY, November 1st, 1863. 8 pages in ink by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...It is Sunday at 9 AM the bells are ringing like home except for the fort guards with three or four little drums and fifes and a base drum which is in harmony with the bells...the guards from the 7th will be here soon with three or four drums and fifes. They come to the headquarters to be inspected every morning...the pills care safely the other day. I would like to be with you in your sitting room...two officers were placed under arrest by the General...Peckman [an officer] found out who made charges against him and if he gets to Lexington he will make him recant or horsewhip him...they entered 'forbidden territory' I SHALL PUT THIS LETTER IN A SMALL ENVELOPE SO YOU CAN PUT IT YOU KNOW THERE...I WISH I WAS THERE AT PRESENT - DON'T YOU. A very detailed letter and Daniels concludes the letter with a sexual overtone as he probably means that she would put the letter in her bosom where he would like to be. Well written........................................$125.00

51911 - NEWS ARRIVES BY TELEGRAPH THAT FORT SUMTER IS TAKEN, WHEN HE RETURNS HOME HE WANTS HER ALONE, 4 pages in ink, November 8th, 1863 [Lexington, KY stamped cover included] by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol., near Lexington, KY probably Fort Nelson, to Salina...He has just received the papers the Boston Journal and the Providence Press, mentions that his friend "P" sits on a Court Martial Coroner's Jury, notes that it is Sunday and people are going to meetings as couples as he wishes he could, when he returns home it may be late at night and he wants her alone, there will be no problem unless you take S.W. in my place [another suitor], did you hear that Fort Sumter is taken as the telegraph operator just brought the news, time to retire to my lonely couch. 2 items, letter and stamped cover. Well written...................................$75.00

51913 - THE DRESS PARADE IS GOING ON, WIVES OF OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE, HE WISHES ONE MORE LADY COULD BE THERE, November 22nd, 1863. 4 page letter in ink to Salina from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol., with stamped cover postmarked Lexington, KY. He relates in part...the Dress Parade is going on with the band playing, the wives of the officers are in attendance, he wishes she was there but he would rather have her in bed at his elbow, mentions something that the Deacon had done Nancy back home, mentions the bombardment of Fort Sumter and that it is being bombarded night and day. Good content, 2 items...........................................$75.00

51914 - REBELS BURN THE MOUNT STERLING, KY COURTHOUSE, THEY ARE REPORTED TO COME OUR WAY, December 13th, 1863. 4+ pages in ink [letter has several pages cross written in lighter ink to allow for easy reading], from camp near Lexington, KY, Sunday afternoon from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol. to Salina. He recounts the last battle they were in five months previous near Jackson, MS, had a dinner of turkey and cranberries, a week before last a band of guerillas entered Mount Sterling and burned down the courthouse and for several days it was reported they were coming this way and we had numbers of the force from 35 to 14,000 and we had orders to be ready for them at any moment day or night...we sent our pickets every night for fear of them burning the town and leaving again, at Mount Sterling there was a regiment of infantry and 600 cavalry within a mile of the town but the Rebs escaped. We need recruits in our regiment...IF YOU WERE HERE I FEAR THAT WE WOULD NOT SLEEP MUCH AND HAVE ALL THE KISSES WE WANTED. A good commentary on the raid on Mount Sterling in November of 1863 by Daniels and a closing devoted to his sweetheart and his wishes for a joyful meeting with her, comes with a stamped postal cover...............................................$175.00

51915 - HE WISHES HIS HEAD WAS PILLOWED IN HER BOSOM, December 17th, 1863. Four pages in ink with a nice stamped postal cover postmarked Lexington, KY by Pvt. Herbert Daniels to his lover Salina [7th Rhode Island Vol.]. Herbert dreams of them being together sitting by the fire with LOVE and blankets keeping them warm, he wishes his head was pillowed in her bosom, he refers to a past letter of hers that he wishes they could enjoy all that she mentions...it is ten o'clock and he is ready to go to bed with her, more details of his dream of meeting again with Salina. Well written, letter and cover.........................$85.00

51916 - WE ARE AT THE FORKS OF THE CUMBERLAND RIVER IN KENTUCKY, BAD ROADS, TERRIBLE COLD, MY INK FROZE ON MY PEN, January 6th, 1864. Two large pages in bold pencil [his ink froze], datelined Port Isabel, KY from Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol. He relates in part...we have been moving all the time, we have seen no mail since we left Camp Nelson, the mail was supposed to go to Somerset, stopped at a house and had dinner and sat by a huge fireplace that almost burned me with the heat. It is so cold that my ink froze on my pen [thus he wrote in pencil], it is the coldest it has been in 16 years. This must be a beautiful place in the summer, we are at the fork of the Cumberland River where there is only a camp and no town, the roads are so bad we had to slide an ambulance down a hill removing the horses, will write again Thursday...Herbert. Comes with a stamped cover SOMERSET, KY cancellation, well written.....................................$85.00

51917 - ICE FLOWS MAKE US REMOVE THE PONTOON BRIDGE EACH DAY, TERRIBLE ROADS, GENERAL GARRARD WAS ABLE TO TRAVEL ONLY 5 MILES IN 4 DAYS, January 10th, 1864, Port Isabel, KY. Office of the Commandant, Sunday, 3 page letter in ink by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol., comes with a stamped postal cover SOMERSET, KY, cancellation. He relates in part to Salina...We still have not received mail, the Colonel telegraphed Lexington to see why, at Somerset the roads are so bad no mail arrived, there is a telegraph in this office and Colonel Bliss took command and wanted me. There is a large sawmill here where they are sawing wood night and day for the government in order to build store houses. They are also building a house for the Colonel and his wife who will arrive with other officers of the regiment...General Garrard started here four days ago and expected to go to Knoxville, 80 miles in 5 days, he made 5 miles in 4 days due to the roads. We are south of the river that has a very swift current, the ice flowing causes us to take up the pontoon bridges each day. I send 50 men out to take it up and down. They are getting ready to build a supply depot here to supply East Tennessee, 10,000 rations arrived yesterday, 5,000 more are within 3 miles of here. Boats are trying to get up the river from Nashville with supplies. An excellent newsy letter, cover and letter............................$110.00

51918 - GENERAL FOSTER HAS MOVED TO LEXINGTON, I WISH I COULD SLEEP BETWEEN YOUR "WARM STONES", Somerset, KY. 2 large pages in ink, January 15th, 1864 from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...General Foster has moved his headquarters to Lexington, our regiment can't re-enlist this Spring as we must wait until we serve two years....the Colonel's wife is arriving and they will set up housekeeping in the woods...I WISH I COULD SLEEP BETWEEN YOUR WARM STONES AND I WISH I WAS THERE TODAY...WISHES THEY HAD A TELEGRAPH OR SPEAKING TUBE BETWEEN THEM - IF I WAS THERE WE WOULD BE IN BED TIL NOON. Daniels lets Salina know in no uncertain terms that he would like to be lying in her bosom and in bed until noon, quite explicit sexual statements.............$135.00

51919 - HIS CAPTAIN WAS NEARLY DISMISSED FOR HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER, January 23rd, 1864. 3 pages in ink from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry to his lover Salina, with a stamped postal cover LEXINGTON, KY. He relates in part...Captain Potter was nearly dismissed, first in regard to his relationship with Miss Sarah Anthony, the daughter of Governor Anthony of Rhode Island and for staying away from the regiment too long - claiming illness. The Colonel went to Somerset to get his arriving wife, they have gone to their shanty...he does not want Salina to come there due to the extreme cold as she would suffer from it. "I wish I could take a ramble with you in the woods don't you?", Hxxxx. Apparently the relationship with the Governor's daughter went sour and there was some reaction through the ranks with the Captain nearly getting dismissed. Well written............................................................$85.00

51920 - HE HAS RECEIVED THE PILLS SHE HAS SENT, NOW FEELS SAFE AGAINST EVERYTHING BUT YELLOW FEVER AND BULLETS, January 25th, 1864, 3 pages in ink with a stamped cover CDS SOMERSET, KY, from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island to his sweetheart Salina. He relates.....that news has come that the President has signed an order allowing for clothing to be able to be sent to soldiers by the mail at lower rates, but if you send Burnside or not, I received the pills you sent, I hope you have more as I would not go on a Southern expedition without a good supply. With them I would feel perfectly safe against anything but yellow fever and bullets, our winter quarters is almost complete. A very newsy letter from Daniels from Somerset, KY....................................$75.00

51921 - NEWS THAT THEY MAY GO EAST, OTHERS REGIMENTS BEING MOVED, REBS CANNOT HOLD TO MUCH LONGER, January 31st, 1864. 4 pages in ink with a stamped postal cover SOMERSET, KY by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...Describes a terrible storm, tent blew down everything scattered, the 9th NH and the 10th Michigan Cavalry, a battery, and some Ohio troops have arrived, the 9th [Corps] may go with Burnside...General Carter has just called here as he left Knoxville Thursday. He says that the 9th Corps is going east as soon as they can be relieved by other troops...I should think that Burnside would take the 25th Mass. with him, he had not heard of the 21st going home, I don't know that the Rebs can hold out much longer. An extremely newsy letter from Kentucky discussing the shifting of troops to the eastern theater, comes with a nice stamped cover............................................$85.00

51922 - A NEAR DEAD DESERTER IS BROUGHT TO THE HOSPITAL AND THEN ESCAPES AFTER HE IS MARRIED IN THE GUARDHOUSE, February 20th, 1864, Somerset, KY. 4 page letter in ink with stamped cover [Somerset, KY], by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry. He relates to his sweetheart Salina....all boats have left here. The deserter that was captured was very sick with consumption, some thought he would die and the doctor ordered him carried to the hospital - he improved so well that he was missing and has not been seen since. He and a woman were married while in the guardhouse by the guard who happened to be a minister. They say she was going to have a baby soon...it is near 9 o'clock and I must retire to my lonely couch and you to yours...is it not lovely to have two young women to sleep with [her children] and I don't. I should not mind having one though, even all three or if I could not do any better I would take your place with your two little 'stoves'...I have taken Lt. Peckham's place in Percy's tent while Lt. P is at work on the road. A newsy letter giving a great description of the escapades of a deserter who escaped from the guardhouse after being married by the guard...........................................$145.00

51923 - THE RIVER RISES IN KENTUCKY, PONTOON BRIDGES SET OUT, March 1st, 1864, [Somerset, KY post marked stamped envelope] 4 pages in ink to Salina from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol. He relates in part...mentions they are waiting for a wagon train to bring them an awaited barrel, the river is high, lots of snow, rising quite a bit each hour, it is now high enough for a steamboat to turn around, took pontoon bridges out this morning to try and get some ambulances across, the ferry would not run due to the high water, newsy camp letter from a camp in Kentucky, with stamped cover.....................................$75.00

51924 - I HAVE NO FEAR THAT I SHALL RECEIVE AS MUCH HAPPINESS AS I GIVE, March 6th, 1864, 4 pages in ink, Somerset, KY from Pvt. Herbert Daniels of the 7th Rhode Island Vol. to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...He is not getting her letters, possibly nobody knows were "Point Burnside" is, he jokes and holds her responsible for his missing bundle that was promised..."How I wish I was there tonight and I could do a great bit in squaring accounts before morning as I have no fear that I should receive as much happiness as I give", an officer is constantly getting "tight" at night and the Colonel has sent for him to inquire about his conduct...more romantic notes on how he wishes she would be in his tent. Comes with a postal cover cancellation Somerset, KY.................................$95.00

51925 - 7TH RHODE ISLAND VOLS. AT POINT ISABELLA, KY, A SOLDIER WANTS TO HAVE HIS SWEETHEART VISIT HIM, IF SHE STAYS ALL NIGHT HE WILL DEVOTE HIS WHOLE TIME TO MAKING THEM BOTH HAPPY, Headquarters, 7th Rhode Island Vols., Camp Burnside, Point Isabella, KY, March 15th, 1864, comes with a stamped cover post marked Somerset, KY. 4 page letter in ink by Private Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...he soon will have his tent all to himself as the adjacent is moving out if you come tomorrow night. WE WILL HAVE A NICE BATH TOGETHER AND IF YOU STAY ALL NIGHT I WILL DEVOTE MY WHOLE TIME TO MAKING YOU HAPPY AND MYSELF TOO. THE COLONEL IS OFF TO ENJOY HIMSELF WITH HIS BRIDE...General Fry commands the post at Camp Burnside, more on camp news, about officers, etc. Daniels has this continual fantasy about Salina appearing from Worcester, Mass. to visit him. Well written with a stamped cover and interesting sexual overtones................................................$110.00

51926 - ELLA BISHOP IS THERE WITH HER HUSBAND, THE YOUNG WOMAN WHO WRESTLED AWAY HER FLAG FROM THE FAMOUS JOHN MORGAN, Sunday, March 20th, 1864, 4 pages in ink, with a postal cover postmarked Somerset, KY, by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol., to Salina at home. He relates in part...He has not received a letter in two weeks, in the future put Somerset, KY on the envelope, I have been lying on my bed wishing that you would come in and lie down by my side, would you like to? Perhaps you are lying in your own bed wishing the same ["P" his friend] is going home on furlough and his girlfriend is named Ella - he asks Salina, Has Ella gone to school yet? If so "P" won't have a pleasant time if he depends upon her for pleasure. The Quaker school and Aunt Harriet's house are the worst places for them to take comfort together in. They would be watched every minute. THE FLAG IDENTICAL TO THE ONE WRESTLED FROM THE NOTORIOUS JOHN MORGAN IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS GANG BY MISS ELLA BISHOP OF LEXINGTON HAS JUST BEEN RAISED. SHE IS HERE NOW WITH HER HUSBAND CAPTAIN RANSOM. General Fry has just received an order to send forage and rations to Chitwood, half way between here and Knoxville, for troops coming this way that being the 9th Corps. If that is so we shall come east within the month...Miss Ella Bishop is famous for defying John Hunt Morgan and wrapping the American flag she had around her body to prevent seizure. Camp Ella Bishop was named in her honor in Kentucky. Well written letter with his usual sexual notations that time about his friend "P" and his girlfriend...............................................$195.00

51927 - THE 9TH NH IS ORDERED TO KNOXVILLE, CANNOT FIND MULE TO MOVE THE CANNON, HORSES PLAYED OUT IN THE MUD, Somerset, KY, 5 page letter in ink with a stamped cover postmarked SOMERSET, KY. February 23rd, 1864 by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...a friend in camp is quite ill, there was a flag raising and three regiments came out with the 7th with about 50 men including 15 - 20 privates, the 9th NY is 1000 strong and this regiment is 1500 strong -- a battery fired a salute from across the river a mile and a half away as it could not come to camp for they could not find mules to move a gun as their horses are played out a long time ago...the 9th NH is ordered to Knoxville but they will come back soon to join Burnside...much more about affairs in camp in Kentucky....................................$85.00

51928 - GRANT AND BURNSIDE HOLD A REVIEW, 3 CHEERS FOR GRANT, Annapolis, MD, April 13th, 1864, 6 pages in ink by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...The Captain has just been relieved much to our relief, Grant and Burnside are coming to do a review but they have not come as they wait on the rain, Peckman took command from Potter [the later was relieved]...the Generals rode along the lines while the regiment presented arms and the drums beat. Percy ordered three cheers for Grant and three for Burnside [Percy Peckman his new Captain]...more on his feelings for Salina...WHEN I AM HOME I WILL KISS YOU ALL NIGHT...A well written six page letter by Daniels...................................................$95.00

51929 - I WILL HAVE THE BED WARM FOR YOU WHEN YOU COME, WOULD LIE LISTENING TO THE RAIN WITH YOU OR WOULD YOU LET ME? I WILL WAIT TIL I CAN HAVE A BATH WITH YOU, April 16th, 1864, 4 pages in ink, stamped Annapolis postal cover bulls eye cancellation, from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...I WILL WAIT TO HAVE A BATH TIL PLEASURABLE WEATHER ARRIVES OR UNTIL I CAN HAVE A BATH WITH YOU, mentions his Captain who is going home on furlough for a birth of a child...I would like to come home on the same business but I would not tell of it...I wish I was in my own bed with my own xxxx listening to the rain OR WOULD YOU LET ME? No I would not be listening to the rain...he mentions a friend who has not had sex with his wife for 18 months...Have my letters had the same effect upon you as yours have had upon me? I will have the bed warm for you when you come...Love and kisses Hxxxxxxx. Daniels is preparing himself for her proposed visit to see him in Maryland, many sexual overtones....................................$145.00

51930 - I AM READY FOR OUR BED, TO BE IN YOUR ARMS, READY TO PLAGUE YOU, TICKLE YOU, PUNISH AND LOVE YOU ALL NIGHT, ARE YOU READY TO BE SERVICED AND SERVE ME THE SAME, Annapolis, MD, April 20th, 1864, 2 bold pages with stamped cover from Private Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...Burnside was here this morning and told the Doctor that we will move in two days but Burnside thinks the campaign will be short. The 57th came in today and camped in the next field with the 56th...he mentions a fellow officer who has attended several lectures of "Fowlers lecture on excessive indulgence and maternity" [too much sex], mentions a lady friend who may travel south with the initial "E", he advises her not to travel among the soldiers much...I AM READY FOR OUR BED TO BE IN YOUR ARMS TO PLAGUE YOU, TICKLE YOU, PUNISH YOU, LOVE YOU ALL NIGHT - WISH I COULD...ARE YOU READY TO BE SERVICED AND SERVE ME THE SAME...It is now 11 and where are you now in bed asleep dreaming of your absent H...I would send him to you if I could. Good night my darling, my own precious love...H. Daniels fantasies are manifested in this letter dreaming of his future sexual encounter with Salina. Very rare content.......................$195.00

51931 - TWO OFFICERS ARE DEEMED UNFAVORABLE INFLUENCES, DETAILS SENT TO THE GENERAL, HE HOPES IT WILL RESULT IN THEIR DISMISSAL, A POSSIBLE HOMOSEXUAL RELATIONSHIP EXPOSED, Tuesday afternoon, October 11th, 1864, 4 pages in ink by Pvt. Herbert Daniels to Salina, stamped envelope with Washington CDS, bulls eye cancellation. He started a letter and knocked over water and ruined it so he went to bed the night before without writing, the paymaster came Sunday and kept him very busy...Potter and Hunt have just came in and asked for the doctor the first thing - They are as gentle as lambs and look rather sheepish. The order sending Hunt to his regiment before said he was not entirely well but it was thought best for him and the service to remove him certain unfavorable influences at Annapolis, you can guess perhaps what that means. I stayed up late Saturday night writing a long statement about them and mentioned the "unfavorable influences" and "P" carried it to General Potter himself [he refers to Capt Percy Peckham]. That night and I was in hopes that would result in their dismissal, mentions a Major who had gone home to be "cured by his wife again." Do you think you could cure me in 20 days? There is very heavy cannonading in the distance...made charges out against the quartermaster for drunkenness...PS Potter has just brought me Percy's clock as he can't bear to hear it tick as he is very nervous, he and Hunt sleep together with Wilbur in "P's" tent, goodnight Hxxxx. A very interesting letter with overtones of these two officers caught in some illicit sexual act and Daniels has reported them to the General. His comment about Potter being so nervous that night he could not bear to hear a clock tick shows someone who is awaiting some action by a superior officer. Records show Captain Hunt was detached from the 7th on October 15th and Captain Potter detached later in the year in December. Extremely rare content..................................................$295.00

51932 - THE SAGA OF TWO DISGRACED OFFICERS CONTINUES, POTTER IS TRYING TO RESIGN AND HUNT A LEAVE OF ABSENCE, Wednesday, October 12th, 1864, 2 pages in ink with a stamped cover postmarked Washington, Pvt. Herbert Daniels of the 7th Rhode Island writes to Salina...It is 11 o'clock, he complains about the time letters take to get to Washington [they are near Annapolis]. He refers to the ongoing case involving Captains Potter and Hunt [see letter of October 11th copy] that implies both have been accused of some offense which is probably illicit sex between them...Potter is going to try and resign and Hunt obtain a leave of absence 'both in account of ill health'. If it was not for such folks I should not know what to do with my time...I must go now my precious love...I wish I was with you this very minute just where you are - Are you there [in bed]...Are you ready for your Hxxxxx. See the copy provided of the letter of October 11th which gives more insight on what is going on between Potter and Hunt and Daniels seems right in the middle of it...........................................$155.00

51933 - I HAVE A NICE BED MADE AND IF YOU WOULD COME WE WOULD HAVE A CHEERFUL FIRE, October 15th, 1864, 4 pages in ink with a stamped postal cover to his lover Salina by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th RI Infantry. He relates in part...I have made a nice bed for...I would surely come I could have a cheerful fire built...mentions a officer whose resignation has come back from Washington disapproved, he wrote several statements about Potter yesterday...mentions a friend's brother in our company with the Sutler, mentions a captured Rebel officer, much more about camp news. Daniels was in some conflict with an officer Potter and his reports were obviously negative concerning Potter's actions within the regiment. Well written...................................$85.00

51934 - HE TRIES TO GET A FURLOUGH, LONGS TO SEE HER, November 6th, 1864, three plus pages in ink written near Annapolis by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vols., to his sweetheart Salina. He describes the tribulations of getting mail, he feels there is a slim chance he will get a 30 day furlough, if he gets one perhaps he could get a further extension...Potter has gotten a 15 day furlough and I hope he never can come back...If I could I would send your whole Herbert to you and he would no longer suffer for the want of his xxxxx. Well written stamped Washington CDS envelope comes with the letter......................................................$75.00

51935 - LINCOLN WINS IN HIS REGIMENT BY A LANDSLIDE, November 9th, 1864, 4 pages in ink with a stamped postal cover addressed to his sweetheart Salina by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry. He relates in part...The regiment has gone out for brigade drill - yesterday I was busy with the election [Presidential], he discussed complications Salina has at home in Massachusetts, the vote in the regiment was 152 for LINCOLN and 28 for McClellan, much more news from camp. Letter and cover, 2 items.............................$75.00

51936 - A LOVESICK SOLDIER DREAMS OF HAVING HIS SWEETHEART IN BED WITH HIM, Monday afternoon, November 14th, 1864, 4 pages in ink with a stamped cover [Washington CDS] they are near Annapolis, by Pvt. Herbert Daniels of the 7th Rhode Island Vol., to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...describes how different soldiers are heating their tents with a variety of stoves, one "puffs like a steamboat"...I wish I could come and give you myself and give you all the happiness you can imagine, advises her not to move until the Spring due to the weather...if I should come home before then we would make the best of the circumstance...you think that I could not inflict some punishment with one arm, I guess I could without any...If I could not you could all the more which perhaps would please you just as well...mentions her daughters sleeping in his bed with her, good night. Love Hxxxxxx. Daniels again implies his love and desires, well written letter with stamped cover.................................................$95.00

51937 - NEWS OF THE SURRENDER OF WILMINGTON, DESERTERS COMING IN EACH NIGHT, PETERSBURG ABOUT TO BE EVACUATED, February 23rd, 1865, 4 large pages in ink written near Petersburg, VA, with a nice stamped cover Washington CDS, by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry. He relates to his sweetheart Salina...He wants to "plague her", you may do the same when you get a chance, I will do the bed warming for you...last night we were on alert for the Johnnies and the men were ordered to keep their equipment on...we will build a breast works that the Rebs will not be able to drive us away...news has come about the capture of Wilmington and the regiment gave a cheer to let the Johnnies know, 100 guns were fired in the rear. There was a great fire last night [Petersburg] they are burning everything they can't carry and they are getting ready to evacuate Petersburg, a great many deserters came over, they say they were greatly scared and feared an attack...our large guns and mortars opened up and saw that they had carried away their batteries and mortars...we soon found that they had gone, we exchanged salutes with the Rebels. Much more content on their future lovemaking, well written on large pages with stamped cover..........................................$175.00

51938 - A SOLDIER'S SEXUAL FANTASIES TAKES UP ALL HIS LETTER HOME, March 2nd, 1865 with a stamped cover postmarked Washington by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol., to his lover Salina. He relates in part...Don't you wish I could come to you now? Why did you leave the door unfastened when you were alone? I would like to find then unfastened when I come. When I come I will put you where you belong in a hum. I wish to take my bath with you now that you have discovered the way to do it. Shall you sleep with all your clothes when you expect me? More on his fantasy expectations at their first meeting. Letter and stamped cover..................................................$95.00

51939 - PETERSBURG, WATCHING MORTAR SHELLS EXPLODE, MORE CANNONADING IN THE DISTANCE, BEDTIME TALK WITH SWEETHEART SALINA BACK HOME, March 30th, 1865, 3 pages in ink with a stamped envelope Washington, DC CDS, by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol., stationed near Petersburg. He relates in part to Salina...last night the Rebs were unusually quiet which made us suspicious and watchful and then they commenced with a volley. The regiment went to the breastworks and saw the fun. At midnight, I was watching the mortar shells in the distance and they looked like shooting stars...9 o'clock Friday evening...the regiment got orders not to undress last night...would like to wear one of her night shirts with her in his arms...the pickets are calling 10 o'clock...I sit underground in a linen coat and slippers...Saturday...I have been looking at the Johnnies with "P's" glass and can see the peach trees in full bloom, more on camp outside of the Petersburg lines.......................................................$135.00

51940 - HEAVY FIRING ON THE LEFT, SHERIDAN'S CAVALRY PASSING ALL DAY, WANTS TO SHARE HER BED, un-datelined but near Petersburg, VA, March 26th, 1865, 2 pages in ink with an attractive dark blue postal cover stamped and cancelled Washington, DC from Pvt. Herbert Daniels of the 7th Rhode Island to his sweetheart Salina. He relates in part...we have heard heavy firing from out left this morning but have not heard anything about it...when I come home I want to find you alone or just with the girls, gives sexual overtones about being in bed with her, Monday, Sheridan's cavalry have been passing near all day much more about posting letters at the headquarters. Well written with a beautiful blue cover...................................................$89.00

51941 - A SOLDIER'S LOVER WRITES HIM, WILL HEAR A COLORED LAWYER SPEAK, DR. JOHN ROCK FAMOUS BLACK LAWYER, FIRST TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT, March 28th, 1865 from Salina to Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Vol. 3 pages in ink. She relates to Herbert...Mr. Rock, the colored lawyer, is to lecture Thursday evening. The "Spy" [Massachusetts Spy newspaper] gives news of the battle the 9th Corps took part...was the 7th engaged? I hope you were not in harm's way. The list of the killed and wounded of the 57th have come - two or three of them I know I suppose that the battle was near you...I did not know you were half way to Richmond...John Swett Rock. In 1865, Rock, a former physician, of Massachusetts became the first African-American lawyer admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Rock had abandoned his medical practice to study law in 1861. He also became the first African-American to be invited to the floor of Congress in 1865. Rare commentary on Dr. John Rock's lectures....................................................$150.00

51942 - SEXUAL OVERTONES FROM A LOVE SICK SOLDIER NEAR RICHMOND TO HIS SWEETHEART, Sunday evening, April 19th, 1864, 3 pages in ink with a stamped postal cover CDS Washington by Pvt. Herbert Daniels of the 7th Rhode Island Vol. stationed near Richmond. He relates to Salina...he describes sleeping in a huge tower of pine boughs on a carpet of pine needles, he discusses a friend who had gone back home and visited his sweetheart noted as "P" and "E"...he wonders if "E" lost anything more than hair pins...thought they were perfectly safe on the lounge or the bed and leave them alone for if they have resisted temptation before they can again and if they have not it won't hurt them to try it again...I wish I was there to take the lounge with you but should not want "E" to witness our happiness...but never mind we will have it all sometime...Darling I must go to bed now and I do wish I was there to XXXXXXXXXX...how happy I should be...good night with 1000 kisses...Hxxxxxx...PS Smith's Palace is not as quiet and genteel a place as Rocky Point but I never heard it called a xxxx house before. Very respectful people used to go there. Rocky Point is much more pleasant for a lady...I would like to spend tonight in your arms most anywhere. A very descriptive letter from Daniels about a visit home by one of his friends to visit a lady and to what outcome their visit went - whether they had an sexual encounter or not. He continues his fantasies about what Salina and he will do on the same lounge if he was there and it is quite obvious but his x's the outcome would be a sexual interlude...in reference to the Smith's Palace. Daniels answers her query as to the character of the house as he states he has never hear of it being called a xxxx house which refers to a "whore" house. They are trying to arrange a place to meet when he gets a furlough or gets discharged. Letters with sexual content are RARE in Civil War correspondence as many soldiers just did not write about such matters and if they did the woman on the other end destroyed the correspondence trying to avoid embarrassment - it was a different time then.................................................$225.00

51943 - BOTH ARMIES ARE PASSING NIGHT AND DAY, [Near Richmond], April 14th, 1865, 2 page bold letter in pencil from Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island Infantry to his sweetheart Salina. We have not moved and there is no news from here...both armies are passing night and day, a romantic letter by Herbert to Salina, letter is accompanied by a beautiful rose colored stamped cover. Richmond was now in Union hands after the terrible fires that swept the city on the departure of the Confederate Army. Daniels refers to the Union troops continuing to enter the city and paroled Confederates leaving the city. He writes this letter the day Lincoln was assassinated in Washington as there were much news to come his way the following day.............................................$75.00

51944 - YOU HAVE HEARD OF LEE'S SURRENDER BEFORE WE DID, LETTER WRITTEN AFTER LINCOLN'S ASSASSINATION AND THE TROOPS IN CAMPS HAVE HEARD NOTHING, April 15th - 17th, 1865, 4 pages in ink [Burksville, VA] with a stamped cover PM Washington...Pvt. Herbert Daniels of the 7th Rhode Island Infantry writes home to Salina...mentions they have just moved near Burksville [VA] states that she had heard about Lee's surrender before they did, goes into details on where they will settle after the war, possibly Boston will suit them the best, maybe the west. There are no signs of coming home although the war has ended. There is obvious communications problems as by the 17th of April Daniels makes no mention of the assassination in Washington of Lincoln. Well written with cover.................................................$85.00

52947 - ABOUT TO BE DISCHARGED, HE PLAN THEIR FIRST MEETING, WANTS TO BE ALONE WITH HER, NO CHILDREN, May 25th, 1865, Alexandria, VA, 3 pages letter with stamped cover from Alexandria, VA by Pvt. Herbert Daniels, 7th Rhode Island. He relates to his sweetheart Salina...We may come home sooner than you expect, I hope you will be alone when I come, he wants to be alone when they have their first joyful meeting all to ourselves, he wants to have long talks, lips close to one another, he wants her to come to Providence to be alone with her but no children to "share the pleasure". Herbert is getting antsy about their meeting and wants to meet her away from where she lives without any children. Well written..............................................................$85.00

4258 - THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, THE REBS MARCHED UP ON US AND WE MOWED THEM DOWN BY THE THOUSANDS, THEY FOUGHT LIKE TIGERS, 3 page letter from Pvt. David Brett, 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery, Warrenton, VA, July 28th, 1863. He relates in very bold pencil to his wife...I am well and we are 20 miles from Centerville, VA. We have been marching a long way after the Rebs, we go from 10 to 30 miles a day...we have had no fight since we left GETTYSBURG. The cavalry have had a few small ones and have taken 800 cattle and 300 - 400 sheep, part of what the Confederates stole from the folks in Maryland and PA. We are now in Reb country where flour is $30 a barrel, no cheese, and butter $1 a lb. and no sugar. I have written you 3 or 4 letters since the battle. WE HAD EIGHT KILLED AND ABOUT 20 WOUNDED [AT GETTYSBURG], WE ARE NOW UNDER THE COMMAND OF LT. MILTON. I SAW THE 40TH THE OTHER DAY, FRANK WAS IN WASHINGTON AND HE GAVE OUT ON THE MARCH AS HIS FEET WERE VERY SORE - HE WAS NEAR THE BATTLE BUT NOT IN IT. I WAS PRETTY TIRED THE BATTLE BUT NOT IN IT. I WAS PRETTY TIRED THE NIGHT AFTER THE BATTLE WE WERE SHORT OF MEN AND HAD TO WORK VERY HARD AND DID NOT FEEL WELL FOR SEVERAL DAYS...THE WAY I WAS HURT AS WE WERE ON A HILL AND THE REBELS WERE COMING TOWARDS US SO WE DREW OUR GUN BACK. I HAD JUST FIRED IT WHEN WE FIRED THE GUN RUNS BACK 15-20 FEET AND KNOCKED ME DOWN AND THE WHEEL. RAN OVER MY FOOT AND IT PAINED ME FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND IT IS A WONDER WE WERE ALL NOT KILLED. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GIVE A DESCRIPTION OF A BATTLE OF THAT SIZE, SOME 500-600 CANNONS FIRING ALL THE TIME, THE REBS WOULD MARCH UP IN FRONT AND GET MOWED DOWN BY THE THOUSANDS, THEY FOUGHT LIKE TIGERS AND THE GROUND WAS COVERED WITH THEM AND THEY LAY THERE A LONG TIME, WHERE THE REBELS ARE NOW I DO NOT KNOW, BUT THINK THEY ARE IN WINCHESTER OR GORDONSVILLE, WE EXPECT TO HAVE A FIGHT WITH THEM BEFORE THEY GET TO RICHMOND. MEADE'S ARMY IS HERE ALL READY. THERE IS NO NEWS HERE IT IS A RATHER HANDSOME TOWN. THEY ARE ALL REBS AND THE WOMEN WILL STICK UP THEIR NOSES AND ARE WORSE THAN THE MEN. Direct to the 9th Mass. Battery Artillery reserves, DC. Love to all. D, Brett. In the Civil War Times article "The Battery that saved the Union", Hoffsommer says that after Barksdale's forward surge lapped the battery and the 21st Mississippi Infantry engulfed the guns and limbers, the fight became savagely hand to hand with muskets and bayonets against rammers and handspikes. Baker states that "David Brett lost his cap and started back for it; John Ligal took him under his arm and carried him off the field." Brett was only 5'4" and weighed 163 lbs. Brett hurt his foot due to cannon recoil was carried off the field. The 9th Mass. Light Artillery accompanied the army in its northward march, on July 2, 1863, it reached Gettysburg, and about 4 P.M. was placed in position near the Wheatfield Road about 300 yards south of the Trostle farm buildings. Here it assisted in staying the tide of Longstreet's attack, firing by prolonge as it was forced to retire across the field, and finally in a last stand in the Trostle farm yard lost over 50 horses and was forced to temporarily abandon four of its guns. These, however, were brought off the field by the infantry after nightfall. The loss in personnel was 11 officers and men killed and mortally wounded, and sixteen surviving wounded, among the latter being Captain Bigelow. On the following day, the remnant of the battery under Lieutenant Milton, consisting of two guns, was engaged at Zeigler's Grove on Cemetery Hill losing five more horses. An outstanding Gettysburg letter..........................................$2,200.00

More on the actions of the 9th Mass. Light Artillery: on July 2, 1863, Major General Daniel Sickles (who was later was seriously injured, near the Trostle barn, by a Confederate shell, which caused his leg to be amputated) moved his troops to an exposed position on Emmitsburg Road. Due to mounting pressure by the Confederate Army, the Union troops began retreating from the area of Peach Orchard. Their goal was to make it to Cemetery Ridge. The path of their retreat included the farm lane, noted above, located on the Trostle Farm. Most of the batteries were able to reach the ridge. One exception was the "green" 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery Battery. This was to be their first battle. Captain John Bigelow commanded this battery. Captain Bigelow sustained severe wounds to his side and hand during the battle at the Trostle Farm. Reportedly the troops took cover in the Trostle building, waiting for the ranks of the Rebel Army to get closer. As the enemy troops approached over the knoll, the 9th Massachusetts Battery opened fire. The Confederates continued their advance on the farm. The battery was now trapped inside by the 21st Mississippi Infantry. The Rebels then began shooting the horses, who were still strapped to their harnesses. The reasoning for this was so that the cannons could not be pulled out. The 9th Mass. Battery continued to fight, in the end, the remaining survivors fled, leaving behind their guns, limbers and also the wounded and dead, both man and animal alike. During this battle, the 9th Massachusetts Battery lost five of it's six guns and reportedly 80 of their 86 horses. Their guns were later regained by Union Troops.

5071 - IOWA TROOPS BEING TRANSPORTED ON THE STEAMBOAT BILL HENDERSON, 8" X 24", preprinted and manuscript manifest where the State of Iowa was paying for passage for men on the Steamboat "Bill Henderson" from April to November in 1862. The passengers are listed by date transported from Dubuque, Clinton, Lyons, and Davenport to cities such as St. Louis, Clinton, Davenport, and Dubuque, Iowa. The preprinted heading "The United States" is scratched out and State of Iowa written in its place. The total passage due the Northern Star Packet Company was $153.50 for which the State received a 25% discount. In researching some of these names, some do not appear on the roster of any Iowa units, but since the state paid their passage, they were probably civil servants. Some soldiers shown are Jerry Elson, 9th Iowa, wounded at Pea Ridge, Sgt. Hiram Buel, lost an arm at Vicksburg, 21st Iowa, Leonard Horr, 21st Iowa, Jesse Hampton, 13th Iowa wounded at Shiloh, Calvin Taylor 45th Iowa. There are at least 45 entries on this steamboat listing of passengers with many more to research. On a quick examination many discharged soldiers, wounded sailors, and new recruits were transported on this boat within the state of Iowa. Some archival repairs due to the size but no loss of paper. A nice Iowa item right at the beginning of the campaigns in Mississippi and through November 1862.........................................................................$125.00

5072 - WE COULD HEAR THE GUNS AT FREDERICKSBURG, HEAR THE WOUNDED GROAN IN WASHINGTON, 4 page letter in pencil, December 24th, 1862, Private David Brett, 9th Mass Light Artillery, and stamped postal cover. He relates in part...had Christmas dinner at the fort, turkeys, oysters, pickles, cakes. I was in Washington all day yesterday with a team of mules, we are fixing up the fort today as the Captain is a Catholic and we are having easy times [Christmas season]...THERE WAS A GREAT BATTLE THE OTHER DAY AT FREDERICKSBURG AND WE COULD HEAR THE CANNONS VERY PLAIN AND THE WOUNDED WERE BROUGHT TO WASHINGTON IN BOATS OF ALL KINDS AND AMBULANCES. SOME OF OUR FOLKS WHO WERE IN WASHINGTON SAID THEY COULD HEAR THEM GROAN AS THEY PASSED IN THE STREETS. WE GOT WHIPPED BADLY AND THAT IS NO MISTAKE. DESCRIBES THEIR CHRISTMAS DINNER ON THE 25TH WITH ALL THE BOYS HAVING PLENTY TO EAT AND HAD A GOOD TIME PLAYING BALL [BASEBALL]. The 9th Mass Artillery was soon to fight at Gettysburg and fight at Trostle's Barn. In the Civil War Times article "The Battery that saved the Union" Hoffsommer says that after Barksdale's forward surge lapped the battery and the 21st Mississippi Infantry engulfed the guns and limbers, the fight became savagely hand to hand with muskets and bayonets against rammers and handspikes. Baker states that "David Brett lost his cap and started back for it; John Ligal took him under his arm and carried him off the field." Brett was only 5'4" and weighed 163 lbs. Brett hurt his foot due to cannon recoil and was carried off the field. The 9th Mass. Light Artillery accompanied the army in its northward march, on July 2, 1863, it reached Gettysburg, and about 4 P.M. was placed in position near the Wheatfield road about 300 yards south of the Trostle farm buildings. Here it assisted in staying the tide of Longstreet's attack, firing by prolonge as it was forced to retire across the field, and finally in a last stand in the Trostle farm yard lost over 50 horses and was forced to temporarily abandon four of its guns. These, however, were brought off the field by the infantry after nightfall. The loss in personnel was 11 officers and men killed and mortally wounded, and sixteen surviving wounded, among the latter being Captain Bigelow. On the following day the remnant of the battery under Lieutenant Milton, consisting of two guns, was engaged at Ziegler's Grove on Cemetery Hill losing five more horses. The letter is well written in pencil with some water stains which do not deter the reader. A good newsy letter from a very good fighting unit............................................................$175.00

5073 - EXPLORED THE BATTLEFIELD AT CHANTILLY, BONES OR MEN AND HORSES ON THE GROUND, THE PLACE WHERE KEARNEY WAS KILLED, HOOKER FOUGHT ALL DAY YESTERDAY AND LOST 14,000 MEN, 4 pages, three in pen and page four in pencil by Pvt. David Brett, 9th Mass. Light Artillery. He relates in part from Centerville, VA, April 30th, 1863. He describes conditions at camp near Centerville, most of the houses are burned down, the fences are all gone, about 4 miles north is Chantilly. GENERAL KEARNEY WAS KILLED THERE AND SOME OF OUR BOYS HAVE GONE TO SEE THE BATTLEFIELD, THERE ARE MEN AND HORSE BONES ON THE GROUND PARTIALLY COVERED AND THEY BROUGHT HOME ONE SKULL. 2000 OR 3000 MEN WERE KILLED IN THE BATTLE. AS IT WAS SOME TIME AGO. YESTERDAY WE HAD TARGET PRACTICE, TODAY. A Chaplain of the 126th NY will have a meeting. I never advise a man to come out here [join the army] unless he was very tough as we have to be exposed to it enough to kill a well man...JOE HOOKER FOUGHT ALL DAY YESTERDAY AND LOST 14,000 MEN WE HEAR AND DROVE THE REBS THAT WAY FOR 9 MILES, THEY ARE FIGHTING ALL AROUND US...WE EXPECT WARRENTON IS THE PLACE WE EXPECT TO GO AS THEY ARE FIGHTING THERE AND IS 23 MILES OVER THE MOUNTAINS. IF JOE HOOKER HAS THEM WHERE HE SAYS HE DOES HE WILL WHIP THEM...David Brett. General Kearney was killed September 1st, 1862 at Chantilly while attempting to escape Confederate capture. Baker in his history of the 9th sstates that on April 29th the battery held target practice with the Keystone Battery and at 3/4 miles for smooth bores and 1 3/4 miles for rifled guns. The 9th Battery was declared the best shots. Brett refers to Hooker's operations at Fitzhugh Crossing or at Franklin's Crossing which preceded the Battle of Chancellorsville. The 9th Mass Artillery was soon to fight at Gettysburg and fight at Trostle's Barn. In the Civil War Times article "The Battery that saved the Union" Hoffsommer says that after Barksdale's forward surge lapped the battery and the 21st Mississippi Infantry engulfed the guns and limbers, the fight became savagely hand to hand with muskets and bayonets against rammers and handspikes. Baker states that "David Brett lost his cap and started back for it; John Ligal took him under his arm and carried him off the field." Brett was only 5'4" and weighed 163 lbs. Brett hurt his foot due to cannon recoil and was carried off the field. The 9th Mass. Light Artillery accompanied the army in its northward march, on July 2, 1863, it reached Gettysburg, and about 4 P.M. was placed in position near the Wheatfield Road about 300 yards south of the Trostle farm buildings. Here it assisted in staying the tide of Longstreet's attack, firing by prolonge as it was forced to retire across the field, and finally in a last stand in the Trostle farm yard lost over 50 horses and was forced to temporarily abandon four of its guns. These, however, were brought off the field by the infantry after nightfall. The loss in personnel was 11 officers and men killed and mortally wounded, and sixteen surviving wounded, among the latter being Captain Bigelow. On the following day the remnant of the battery under Lieutenant Milton, consisting of two guns, was engaged at Zeigler's Grove on Cemetery Hill losing five more horses. Well written by Brett..................................................$225.00

5074 - A PRELUDE TO THE 9TH MASS. LIGHT ARTILLERY MOVING TO GETTYSBURG, HIS CONCERN ON THE STRENGTH OF THE REBELS, LEE MOVING THAT WAY WITH 100,000 MEN, 3 pages well written in pencil with a stamped cover, Centerville, VA, June 15th, 1863 by Pvt. David Brett, 9th Mass. Light Artillery. He relates in part...We buried a man last week his name was Babson, he was sick for three days and was taken in a fit and never knew anything after...JOE HOOKER'S TROOPS HAVE ALL COME ARE COMING HERE. IT SEEMS THAT THEY WAS NO END TO THEM AS WE COULD HEAR THE WAGONS ALL NIGHT. LEE, WE EXPECT IS COMING THIS WAY AND HE HAS GOT ALMOST 100,000 MEN. I THINK THERE WILL BE ANOTHER BULL RUN BATTLE IF SO I SHALL SEE OR BE IN IT. IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THIS WAR WILL NEVER BE OVER THE REBS ARE STRONGER THAN WE THINK FOR THEY HAVE MORE TO EAT AND IT IS ALL NONSENSE ABOUT THEY HAVE A SHORTAGE OF FOOD AS THE PRISONERS DO NOT SHOW IT. THE TROOPS DO SHOW THAT THEY HAVE SEEN HARD TIMES. THERE ARE 20 OR 30 BATTERIES HERE THE TROOPS COME UP THE BULL RUN ROAD AND WE COULD SEE A CLOUD OF DUST ALL ALONG FOR MILES JUST AS FAR AS WE COULD SEE. David Brett writes just before the advance to Gettysburg where his battery was heavily engaged at Trostle's Farm. In the Civil War Times article "The Battery that saved the Union", Hoffsommer says that after Barksdale's forward surge lapped the battery and the 21st Mississippi Infantry engulfed the guns and limbers, the fight became savagely hand to hand with muskets and bayonets against rammers and handspikes. Baker states that "David Brett lost his cap and started back for it; John Ligal took him under his arm and carried him off the field." Brett was only 5'4" and weighed 163 lbs. Brett hurt his foot due to cannon recoil and was carried off the field. The 9th Mass. Light Artillery accompanied the army in its northward march, on July 2, 1863, it reached Gettysburg, and about 4 P.M. was placed in position near the Wheatfield Road about 300 yards south of the Trostle farm buildings. Here it assisted in staying the tide of Longstreet's attack, firing by prolonge as it was forced to retire across the field, and finally in a last stand in the Trostle farm yard lost over 50 horsses and was forced to temporarily abandon four of its guns. These, however, were brought off the field by the infantry after nightfall. The loss in personnel was 11 officers and men killed and mortally wounded, and sixteen surviving wounded, among the latter being Captain Bigelow. On the following day, the remnant of the battery under Lieutenant Milton, consisting of two guns, was engaged at Zeigler's Grove on Cemetery Hill losing five more horses. Well written by Brett......................................$195.00

5075 - THE MINE RUN CAMPAIGN, MEADE'S MEN RETREAT IN THE COLD, 3 pages in ink with a stamped cover by Pvt. David Brett, 9th Mass. Light Artillery, Brandy Station, VA, December 29th, 1863. He relates in part...WE HAVE OUR LONG HOUSES ABOUT DONE, THERE ARE FOUR BATTERIES IN THIS BRIGADE, MENTIONS A PAST TENT MATE WHO HAD BEEN KILLED AT GETTYSBURG, OUR HORSES ARE ALL LINED UP IN A ROW ABOUT 100, THE COUNTRY IS ALL FULL OF TROOPS FOR MILES AROUND HERE, THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING WE STARTED FOR RAPPAHANNOCK STATION AND GOT ABOUT THREE MILES IN A SOUTHEASTERLY DIRECTION FROM BRANDY STATION AND HAD TO STOP ALL NIGHT AS IT WAS SO MUDDY. WE STAYED IN A REB CAMP THEY HAD BUILT FOR WINTER AND THE NEXT DAY WE MARCHED TO THE RAPIDAN AND ENCAMPED ON THIS SIDE. THE NEXT MORNING , WE CROSSED ON PONTOONS FROM THERE THE ROAD IS BUILT ON PLANKS TO RICHMOND AND IS VERY MUCH OUT OF REPAIR...WE MARCHED ABOUT FOUR MILES AND THEN TURNED TO THE RIGHT TOWARDS ORANGE COURT HOUSE, OUR TROOPS WERE FIGHTING ALL DAY IN FRONT. WE MARCHED UNTIL NIGHT AND GOT CLOSE TO THE REBS BUT THEY FELL BACK IN THE NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY, WE EXPECTED TO OVERTAKE THEM AND FIGHT THEM BUT WE FOLLOWED THEN UNTIL THEY GOT INTO THEIR ENTRENCHMENTS WHICH WERE SO STRONG IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO TAKE THEM AND WE STAND THERE ALL DAY LOOKING AT THEM. OUR BATTERY WAS ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE FROM THE FRONT BUT WE COULD GO AND SEE THEM BUT NOT WITHOUT SOME RISK AS THERE WAS FIRING ALL DAY. THAT NIGHT WE STAYED IN SOME PINE WOODS AND IT WAS VERY COLD, THE NEXT MORNING WE HAD ORDERS TO FALL BACK WHICH WE DID DOUBLE QUICK AND CROSSED THE RAPIDAN THAT NIGHT. IT IS ALL CONFUSION WHEN AN ARMY FALLS BACK OR RETREATS AS IT IS EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF A PART OF THE TIME OR HE WILL GET HURT BUT ON THE WHOLE I WOULD RATHER BE ON A MARCH THAN STAY IN CAMP. I HAVE NO BOOTS TO WEAR AND IN FACT MOST OF THE MEN ARE IN WANT OF CLOTHING. IT IS RAINING, WHISKEY HAS BEEN ISSUED TO THE MEN WHO WANTED IT. Brett writes about the Mine Run Campaign, November 26th - December 2nd, 1863 where little was accomplished for the Union except great suffering by Meade's men from the rain that froze as it fell. The 9th Mass. Light Artillery saw no direct action during that ill fated campaign. In the Civil War Times article "The Battery that saved the Union", Hoffsommer says that after Barksdale's forward surge lapped the battery and the 21st Mississippi Infantry engulfed the guns and limbers, the fight became savagely hand to hand with muskets and bayonets against rammers and handspikes. Baker states that "David Brett lost his cap and started back for it; John Ligal took him under his arm and carried him off the field." Brett was only 5'4" and weighed 163 lbs. Brett hurt his foot due to cannon recoil and was carried off the field. The 9th Mass. Light Artillery accompanied the army in its northward march, on July 2, 1863, it reached Gettysburg, and about 4 P.M. was placed in position near the Wheatfield Road about 300 yards south of the Trostle farm buildings. Here it assisted in staying the tide of Longstreet's attack, firing by prolonge as it was forced to retire across the field, and finally in a last stand in the Trostle farm yard lost over 50 horsses and was forced to temporarily abandon four of its guns. These, however, were brought off the field by the infantry after nightfall. The loss in personnel was 11 officers and men killed and mortally wounded, and sixteen surviving wounded, among the latter being Captain Bigelow. On the following day, the remnant of the battery under Lieutenant Milton, consisting of two guns, was engaged at Zeigler's Grove on Cemetery Hill losing five more horses. Well written by Brett......................................................$295.00

4244 - GENERAL BUTLER TAKES CONTROL OF TELEGRAPH COMMUNICATIONS IN NEW ORLEANS, Headquarters Military Commandant of New Orleans, City Hall, August 23rd, 1862. A manuscript order signed by Asst. Military Commandant Godfrey Weitzel ordering a takeover of the City Fire Alarm Telegraph and all equipment and records. Weitzel was attached to the staff of Major General Benjamin F. Butler as chief engineer of the Department of the Gulf. When Federal troops captured New Orleans, Weitzel became assistant military commander and acting mayor. He was promoted to brigadier general in August 1862 and two months later routed a large force of the enemy at Labadieville, LA, which earned him a brevet promotion to major in the Regular Army. The essence of the system was, "to give an instantaneous, universal and definite alarm in cases of fire, and to afford facilities for instant police communication with the central station from every part of the city." This was accomplished through a system of call boxes and alarm bells. Each call box also was equipped with a telegraph key to allow messages to be sent back to the central station. In March, 1860, the Council set aside space in City Hall for use of the system, presumably for the central station. In June of that year another resolution provided for a superintendent, an assistant superintendent, three operators, and a repairman to manage the day to day operation of the system. Locations of the system's alarm/call boxes are listed in most of the New Orleans city directories. Messages deal with sightings of criminals, fire alarms, lost children, runaway slaves, etc. This system enabled Union forces to keep in communication with different parts of the City. An important early occupation order issued by soon to be General Weitzel.........................................$350.00 SOLD

41100 - THE FIRST IRON CLAD NAVAL ENGAGEMENT IN THE WORLD, A HISTORY OF FACTS OF THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE BETWEEN THE MERRIMAC - VIRGINIA CSN AND THE ERICSSON MONITOR AT HAMPTON ROADS, MARCH 8 - 9TH, 1862, 26 page imprint, by E. V. White [1906]. A complete history of the construction of the Merrimac/Virginia and the historic fight at Hampton Roads with the Monitor. Includes several black/white lithographs of the Virginia at various stages of her short career. 7" X 9" with paper wraps, in very fine condition, string bound, RARE as such........................................$150.00 SOLD

32820 - FEDERAL TROOP CARRIER ON THE RED RIVER/MISSISSIPPI RIVERS IN LOUISIANA, Built in 1850, the St. Charles ran the Shreveport - New Orleans route and was among the fastest boats of her day. The property of the RED RIVER PACKET CO. the St. Charles was sequestered by the US Government at New Orleans and used to ferry troops and supplies, sold in 1864 and off the rolls in 1865. A nice postal cover with an embossed 3 cent postal emblem over stamped STEAM with a red packet stamp in an oval RED RIVER PACKET ST. CHARLES [1853]..........................................................$195.00

4245 - US TROOPS CARRIED ON THE STEAMBOAT HUNTER, INDIAN WARS 1872, Two documents dated November 1872 at New Orleans paying the owners of the Steamboat HUNTER for transporting one officer and 10 enlisted men from Point la Hache, LA to Jackson Barracks [near New Orleans on the Mississippi River] belonging to the 19th US infantry. The first document is a US Order for transportation for 1 cabin and 10 on deck on the steamboat HUNTER. This is a handsome document imprinted in green ink. The 2nd document is 8" X 10" pre-printed authorizing the payment of $18 for the passage of the 11 soldiers of the 19th regiment. There are minor edge chips to the latter document while the first document is in fine condition, both attached to each other. The 19th Infantry participated in the Indian Wars as support troops and as scouts. Both documents.......................................$49.00

4270 - THREE SOLDIERS EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD FOR DESERTION, A DETAILED LETTER REGARDING THE EXECUTION, THE BEST EXECUTION LETTER WE HAVE EVER OFFERED - IRISH BRIGADE LETTER, Headquarters near Morrisville, August 29th, 1863. 4 page letter in ink by William A. Smith, Company D, 116th PA [Irish Brigade] to his sister. He relates in part...mentions his brother who is ill on Folly Island in that "hot secesh hole", news arrived that the Stars and Stripes in floating over Fort Sumter and Wagner, soon the battery at Fort Moultrie and then Charleston should be in the next news. Well Molly, there has been a sad fear bin going on here last Friday a week and yesterday...THERE WERE THREE MEN SHOT IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, THERE WAS ONE OUT OF THE 71ST PA SHOT FOR DESERTION ON THE 21ST OF THE MONTH, AND YESTERDAY THERE WERE TWO MEN SHOT FOR THE SAME THING - DESERTION IT IS AN AWFUL THING TO SEE OWN MEN SHOT DOWN, IF IT WAS BATTLE IT WOULD BE NOT SO HARD TO SEE THROUGH TO WALK UP AND BRAVE IT AND GET SHOT DOWN LIKE AN OX THERE IS NO USE TALKING ABOUT IT...THEY WERE NOT SHOT FOR COWARDICE AS THEY WERE ALL BRAVE AS LIONS AS THEY ALL WALKED OVER TO WHERE THEY WERE TO BE SHOT RIGHT BEHIND THEIR COFFINS AND KEPT STEP WITH THE MUSIC ALL THE TIME AND THEY STOOD AND SEEN THE MUSKETS LOADED AND WENT AND STOOD BY THEIR COFFINS UNTIL THEY WERE TOLD TO KNEEL DOWN, THEY COOLEY TOOK OFF THEIR COATS AND FOLDED THEM BESIDES THEM AS IF NOTHING WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AND EVEN MARCHED KEEPING IN TUNE WITH THE DEAD MARCH AND THAT IS THE HARDEST THING TO KEEP IN STEP WITH. THEY WERE ORDERED TO KNEEL DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND THEN THE HANKER CHIEFS WERE PUT OVER THEIR EYES AND THEY BRACED THEMSELVES FOR IT AND WHEN THE WORD WAS GIVEN TO FIRE ONE FELL ONE WAY AND ANOTHER THE OTHER WAY, ONE OF THEM THEY HAD TO SHOOT A SECOND TIME BEFORE THEY HAD TO KILL HIM AND IF ANYONE SAYS THEY WERE COWARDS I THINK THEY LIE AS THEY HAD HEARTS AS BIG AS AN OX...William A. Smith. The 116th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was recruited from among the Irish Americans of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the summer of 1862. Dennis Heenan served as its first colonel, St. Clair A. Mulholland as lieutenant colonel, and George H. Bardwell as major. At the end of August 1862, the regiment was ordered to report to Washington, D.C., and was assigned to the Irish Brigade, which was the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, II Corps, Army of the Potomac. The following month, it was ordered to the Shenandoah Valley, where it saw minor skirmishing. At the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13, the 116th charged the sunken road. Despite losing many of their officers and men, including Colonel Heenan, they remained at the wall until dark. The regiment had lost so many men that it was consolidated into a battalion of four companies under the command of Mulholland. The 116th performed well at the Battle of Chancellorsville, where it helped rescue the 5th Maine Battery from capture. In this action, Mulholland earned a Medal of Honor. On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 1st Division was sent into the Wheatfield to support the III Corps, where the 116th engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Caught in a crossfire, the division was forced to retreat. During Pickett's Charge the following day, the regiment supported the 2nd Connecticut Battery but wasn't needed in the fighting. During the following few months, the 116th remained in Northern Virginia. In the spring of 1864, Mulholland was given permission to recruit the regiment back to full strength. Enough men were raised in Philadelphia to form Companies E, F, and G in addition to bringing the four companies at the front to strength, though many of the veterans were consolidated into A Company. Companies H, I, and K were raised in Pittsburg. A large portion of these new recruits were not Irish-Americans, however. Mulholland was promoted to colonel, while Richard C. Dale became lieutenant colonel and John Teed, who had been captured at Gettysburg, major. The 116th fought all through the Overland Campaign, where it continued to lose heavily in officers and men. Mulholland was wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House and Dale was missing in action. Mulholland was wounded again at the Battle of Cold Harbor. Heavy losses continued during the Siege of Petersburg. In July, the Irish Brigade was broken up and the 116th was assigned to the 4th Brigade, 1st Division. After the Appomattox Campaign, the regiment was sent to Alexandria, where, on June 3, Companies A, B, C, and D where mustered out. The remaining companies were mustered out on July 14 in Washington. Well written by Smith, comes with a cover missing the stamp postmarked Washington, DC....................................................$595.00

4252 - 300 PRISONERS TAKEN IN THIS SCOUTING TRIP, REBELS BURNED DOWN A UNION SYMPATHIZERS HOUSE, THE WOMAN AND CHILDREN ORDERED TO LEAVE, 3 page letter in ink from Aaron Eley, 5th Wisconsin Light Artillery, March 18th, 1863, Camp near Murfreesboro, TN. He relates in part to friends...the health of the battery is good, there has been a great deal of rain here, it has been so muddy it has been impossible to get about with a team and only on the pikes and they are all cut up, they don't last long under these heavy army trains. The horse and mules had a hard time during the rainy weather, without shelter some of our best horses chilled to death by the cold rain. We have been on two scouting expeditions since we have been here the first time we went to Franklin 28 miles from here, there were about 300 prisoners taken on this trip, the next time we went to Triune 15 miles from here. This part of Tennessee is the most desolate looking place one can find anywhere. The houses and fences between Nashville and Murfreesboro are nearly all burned down. All though the country wherever the army has been fences are burnt. There is some poor specimens of humanity here, some will suffer for something to eat before another crop is raised. The Rebels do their share of the burning as they burn as many fences as we do but they also burn bridges and the houses of Union men. A few days ago we met a woman with three small children in the road they had come from Shelbyville by a circuitous route traveling about 40 miles on foot. The children were bare footed and the woman said that her house and furniture had been burnt by the Rebels on account of their Union sentiment and her and the children ordered to leave...Aaron Eley. The 5th Wisonsin Light Artillery fought at Corinth, Perryville, Stones River, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Atlanta Campaign, and with Sherman on his march to the sea. Fine, comes with a patriotic envelope [cannon] missing stamp. Excellent letter on the affairs near Murfreesboro and Nashville............................................................$125.00

4253 - A GREAT DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN OF MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE FREED NEGROES AS REFUGEES BEING FED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE GOVERNMENT, THEY CONSTANTLY COME THROUGH OUR LINES, IN ALMOST COUNTLESS NUMBERS, Murfreesboro, TN, April 20th, 1863. 3 pages in ink to his Father by Aaron Eley, 5th Wisconsin Light Artillery. He relates in part...the health of the army is good we are camped near the depot at Murfreesboro. It is that of the general opinion that General Rosecrans will lay here with the greater part of his army until Vicksburg is disposed of. They are building some very strong fortifications here and mounting some heavy siege guns and mortars in them. If the Rebels evacuate Vicksburg and reinforce Bragg at Shelbyville, it is more than likely that these fortifications will be of use to the army. Refugees from Bragg's army represent Bragg's army as being pretty well starved. The citizens are out on equality with the soldiers and are allowed soldiers rations only. You ought to see the different specimens of humanity that fill the streets of Murfreesboro. They are filled at all times all of the day with paroled prisoners, refugees, deserters from the Rebel army, citizens and officers and soldiers from the Federal army. Among those citizens can be found the American citizens of African decent in almost countless numbers, but these last being named are kept at the depot where they are fed at the expense of the government...these American citizens of African decent come into out lines by the dozens young and old, mentions a friend at Benton Barracks at St. Louis...Aaron Eley. An excellent letter describing the thousands of contrabands around Murfreesboro that came from the surrounding areas as the Union army took control of the area. Well written..............................................................$125.00

4254 - SLAVERY IS DEAD, THE PRESIDENT HAS THE PHYSICAL FORCE TO CARRY OUT THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION, BRAGG AND LONGSTREET HAVE FALLEN BACK, North of Chickamauga, TN, December 15th, 1863. 4 pages in ink by Aaron Eley, 5th Wisconsin Light Artillery to a friend. He relates in part...We are still in camp eight miles above Chattanooga...the farmers here were compelled to give 1/10 of their grain raised to the Confederate Government. One can not imagine the great deal of destruction that has and is being destroyed, the army leaves its mark wherever it goes, the land is laid to waste, houses and fences burned, the Union looks well and the Rebels look played out. The election in the loyal states has done much to discourage them; they cannot look for help from a divided North while in the field they were defeated with a heavy loss of men and artillery. Bragg and Longstreet were forced to fall back leaving the very center of the Confederacy almost unprotected and open to an invasion to Grant's whole army. I have talked with some of the citizens in this vicinity and some admit that slavery is dead. They have got their eyes open to see that the President has the physical force at his disposal to carry out the Emancipation Proclamation and slavery, which was the only disturbing element in our society, will be settled forever. Mentions his quilt was left back at the battery as he loaned it to another soldier who had no blanket, no stamps, nearest place they can be gotten is Nashville...Aaron Eley. The Chickamauga Campaign was followed by the Battles for Chattanooga, sometimes called the Chattanooga Campaign, including the reopening of supply lines and the Battles of Lookout Mountain (November 23) and Missionary Ridge (November 25). Relief forces commanded by Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant broke Bragg's grip on the city, sent the Army of Tennessee into retreat, and opened the gateway to the Deep South for Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's 1864 Atlanta Campaign. Well written........................................................$125.00

4255 - 21ST PA, CAVALRY IN ACTION NEAR PETERSBURG MARCH 1865, ON PICKET ALONG THE NORFOLK AND PETERSBURG RAILROAD, KILLED SIX REBELS SITTING ON A LOG, March 20th, 1865. Four pages in very bold pencil with a stamped postal cover addressed home to his Parents, Camp near Petersburg, Pvt. Milton Crawford, 21st PA Volunteers. He relates in part...Have just returned from on picket for three days. A company was sent to Black River Bridge on a scout where they were fired on by bush wackers and three were killed, two wounded, and three taken prisoners, our company ran after them for about ten miles but could not catch them. The 4th PA Cavalry out of our Brigade went out yesterday and there were seven Rebels sitting on a log and they fired on them killing six and taking one Lieutenant Prisoner. It is the same place that they killed our men and he was wearing a jacket that belonged to one of the men that had taken prisoner yesterday out of our regiment. The men that were killed belonged to Company I. We were on picket about five miles from Petersburg along the Petersburg and Norfolk railroad. The buildings all around here that belonged to the Rebels are all burned down...There are two or three along our picket lines that is standing as the people took the oath of allegiance...300 recruits have come in yesterday, mentions numerous men in the regiment there...have better rations there than in PA much more on the camp conditions, surroundings, Milton Crawford. During the winter, the Twenty-first was recruited to the full maximum strength, and on the 1st of March, was transferred to the Second Brigade, of the Second Division, which was composed of the Second, Fourth, Eighth, Sixteenth and Twenty-first Pennsylvania regiments, commanded by General J. Irvin Gregg. The dismounted men of the Twenty-first, comprising nearly half its entire strength, were ordered to City Point, under command of Captain James Mickley, and with the dismounted men of the brigade, participated, under command of Major Oldham, of the Eighth Pennsylvania, in the final assault upon the defenses of Petersburg. "On the 29th of March," says Major Bell, "the cavalry corps moved out on the left flank of the army, the Eighth Pennsylvania having the advance. By some mistake, this regiment mistook the road, which left the Twenty-first in advance, and gave it the honor of  making the first charge in the campaign, striking the rebels near Dinwiddie Court House, carrying their barricades, and capturing some prisoners, from whom important information, pertaining to the rebel cavalry under Fitz Hugh Lee, was obtained. The Twenty-first was not in the fight of the 31st, which well nigh proved a disaster, it having been detailed to hold a bridge over Stony Creek. When it was discovered that the cavalry line was unable to hold its ground, Colonel Forsythe, of Sheridan's staff, ordered the Twenty-first to throw up a line of works across the road, in rear of the Court House, and said, with emphasis, "This must be held, at all hazards, until morning, when the Fifth Corps will be up." Fortunately, the Rebels did not follow their advantage, and the regiment was undisturbed during the night. The Second Brigade was only partially engaged at Five Forks, it being posted to prevent any flanking attacks on the left. On the 5th of April, the Second Division struck the Rebel wagon train, and captured a battery, destroying two hundred wagons, and bringing in some nine hundred mules. The First Brigade made the captures, while the Second and Third did the most of the fighting. Out of two hundred and thirty-four engaged, the Twenty-first lost ninety-eight in killed, wounded, and missing, in less than half an hour. Adjutant Samuel Henry had two horses shot under him. On the next day, the Twenty-first was in the fight at Sailors' Creek, capturing a number of prisoners, with the loss of Lieutenant J. Henry Triece, killed, and a few men wounded. On the 7th, the brigade had a sharp, and in a measure disastrous fight, at Farmville, in which General Gregg was captured, and the regiment sustained some loss, mostly prisoners. Letter and cover..........................................................................$295.00 SOLD

4256 - THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, STANDING IN THE LINE OF FIRE, MEN FELL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT, BURYING THE DEAD, DOCTORS TAKING OFF LEGS AND ARMS, 4 page letter and stamped postal cover from Pvt. David Brett, 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery, Berlin, Maryland, July 17th, 1863. He relates in very bold pencil to his wife. He relates in part...I am well as usual and we are now just below the Ferry crossing the Potomac River chasing the Rebels as they are going back to Richmond as fast as they can. Our army has been marching every day for three weeks after them. Mentions his friend Frank who is foot sore and not very well...You ask me how I spent the 4th...WE WERE IN A FIELD ABOUT A MILE FROM THE BATTLEFIELD AT GETTYSBURG AND PART OF OUR MEN WHEN TO BURY THE DEAD BUT THE REBELS WOULD SHOOT AT US IF AN MAN STOOD IN ONE PLACE A MINUTE AS WE COULD NOT GET THEM ALL. THEY CAN KILL WITHIN A HALF A MILE WITH RIFLES. WE HEARD THAT ALL WERE BURIED AFTERWARDS. MOST OF MY TIME WAS SPENT LOOKING AROUND THE BARNS AS THEY WOUNDED LAY ALL ABOUT IN THEM AND UNDER THE DOCTORS HAD AS MUCH AS THEY COULD DO TAKING OFF ARMS AND LEGS AND DRESSING WOUNDS, SOME OF THE WOUNDED WERE NOT CARED FOR THREE OR FOUR DAYS...AT THE BATTLE - I FELT RATHER BAD WHEN WE WERE ORDERED TO ADVANCE TO THE FRONT BUT AFTER WE GOT TO FIRING  I DID NOT THINK MUCH ABOUT IT. WE HAD BEEN FIRING FOR ABOUT ONE HALF HOUR BEFORE ANYONE GOT HURT...WE COULD HEAR THE BULLETS PASSING, FINALLY A MAN DROPPED ON MY RIGHT AND ANOTHER RIGHT BEHIND. 6 MEN WERE KILLED WITHIN A ROD OF ME...FENN WAS DROPPED DEAD AND HE NEVER KNEW WHAT HURT HIM, SOME OF OUR WOUNDED WILL NEVER RECOVER. WE FOUGHT WITH OUR GUNS UNTIL THE REBS COULD PUT THEIR HANDS ON THE GUNS, THE GENERAL SAID WE FOUGHT WELL AND I HOPE NEVER TO SEE ANOTHER TIME BUT CANNOT TELL...I GO TO BED WET AND SLEEP IN THE WATER. I LOST MY CAP AND CANTEEN AND HAD MY FOOT RUN OVER AND IT WAS LAME BUT I AM GETTING OVER IT. WE LEFT OUR WOUNDED AT GETTYSBURG AND WHERE THEY HAVE GONE I DO NOT KNOW...A BALL PASSED THROUGH THE ARM OF JOE HURST ABOVE HIS ELBOW AND CUT THE CORDS, IT IS DOUBTFUL THAT HE WILL EVER GET THE USE OF IT AGAIN...D. Brett. July 18th, we are now 15 miles inside Virginia and on the way to Richmond. Lee is in full retreat and we fight him all the way along, some days we march 30 miles and I walk all the way with no trouble, Sunday we will march today further into Virginia...D. B. In the Civil War Times article "the Battery that saved the Union" Hoffsommer says that after Barksdale's forward surge lapped the battery and the 21st Mississippi Infantry engulfed the guns and limbers, the fight became savagely hand to hand with muskets and bayonets against rammers and handspikes. Baker states that "David Brett lost his cap and started back for it; John Ligal took him under his arm and carried him off the field." Brett was only 5'4" and weighed 163 lbs. Brett hurt his foot due to cannon recoil and was carried off the field. The 9th Mass. Light Artillery accompanied the army in its northward march. On July 2, 1863, it reached Gettysburg, and about 4 P.M. was placed in position near the Wheatfield Road about 300 yards south of the Trostle farm buildings. Here it assisted in staying the tide of Longstreet's attack, firing by prolonge as it was forced to retire across the filed, and finally in a last stand in the Trostle farm yard lost over 50 horses and was forced to temporarily abandon four of its guns. These, however, were brought off the field by the infantry after nightfall. The loss in personnel was 11 officers and men killed and mortally wounded, and sixteen surviving wounded, among the latter being Captain Bigelow. On the following day, the remnant of the battery under Lieutenant Milton, consisting of two guns, was engaged at Zeigler's Grove on Cemetery Hill losing five more horses. An outstanding letter from an important regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg. Superb content..............................................................$2,400.00

More on the actions of the 9th Mass. Light Artillery: on July 2, 1863, Major General Daniel Sickles (who was later was seriously injured, near the Trostle barn, by a Confederate shell, which caused his leg to be amputated) moved his troops to an exposed position on Emmitsburg Road. Due to mounting pressure by the Confederate Army, the Union troops began retreating from the area of Peach Orchard. Their goal was to make it to Cemetery Ridge. The path of their retreat included the farm lane, noted above, located on the Trostle Farm. Most of the batteries were able to reach the ridge. One exception was the "green" 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery Battery. This was to be their first battle. Captain John Bigelow commanded this battery. Captain Bigelow sustained severe wounds to his side and hand during the battle at the Trostle Farm. Reportedly the troops took cover in the Trostle building, waiting for the ranks of the Rebel Army to get closer. As the enemy troops approached over the knoll, the 9th Massachusetts Battery opened fire. The Confederates continued their advance on the farm. The battery was now trapped inside by the 21st Mississippi Infantry. The Rebels then began shooting the horses, who were still strapped to their harnesses. The reasoning for this was so that the cannons could not be pulled out. The 9th Mass. Battery continued to fight, in the end, the remaining survivors fled, leaving behind their guns, limbers and also the wounded and dead, both man and animal alike. During this battle, the 9th Massachusetts Battery lost five of it's six guns and reportedly 80 of their 86 horses. Their guns were later regained by Union Troops.

3015 - OLD JACKSON HAS LEFT WINCHESTER AND BANKS IS RIGHT BEHIND HIM, 62ND OHIO INFANTRY, LATER KILLED AT DARBYTOWN ROAD, March 15th, 1862, Pvt. William Smutz, 62nd Ohio, Headquarters of the 62nd Ohio, Frederick County, MD. Two legal sized pages that he took from a storekeeper's ledger book. He states he is writing in a store 5 miles from Winchester. He relates in bold pencil, We left by train from Fort Kimball, the track was torn up for four miles...arrived in Martinsburg and found half the town flying Union colors from their windows and the rest of the town mourning for the dead heroes of the rattlesnake banner, we are five miles from Winchester and I am writing in a store on a clerk's ledger book paper, Old Jackson has left Winchester and Banks is right behind him, Banks is pouring into him as we can hear the cannonading, they have been reinforced from Strasburg, some bodies lay in the area with dead horses, some Negro contrabands camp into camp last night and the officers naturally adopted them. Smutz died at Darbytown Road in 1864. Coves with a stamped patriotic cover postmarked Hanover, MD. With a colored vignette of Miss Liberty...PROTECT THE UNION in a banner. On the 11th Banks cautiously advanced his left to Berryville 10 miles east of Winchester by a good stone road. Jackson again drew up his little army in front of Winchester covering the three roads by which Banks would advance his whole army and all day awaiting the attack from the large force that came within four miles of his position. When this did not result in combat, he late in the day followed his trains to the vicinity of Newton. Jackson determined that they should make an attack on Bank's advance force at Stephenson's before daylight the next morning. However, his army was within five miles from Winchester too far to recall for a night march and attack. He later followed his army and bivouacked in its rear. The next day he marched to Strasburg 18 miles from Winchester where he halted on the 15th. Banks occupied Winchester on the 12th, but Turner Ashby, with his cavalry kept him so occupied in protecting the rear and flanks of his army as well as its front, that he did not follow after Jackson until the 18th when he started Shield's Division in pursuit. Jackson with Ashby as his sentinel fell back to Woodstock 12 miles and then to Mt. Jackson 24 miles from Strasburg. Letter and cover.....................$175.00

3017 - THE REBELS ARE CONTINUALLY DESERTING BUT THE PICKETS ON EITHER SIDE WILL NOT SHOOT THEM, 37th Mass. Volunteers, Private Willard S. Cooke to his Father, Headquarters 37th Mass. Volunteers, February 17th, 1865. Four pages in ink with a stamped cover [impaired at bottom edge]. He relates in part...It is raining quite hard tonight just the right time for the Johnnies to desert into our lines, last night 19 came into our lines into our brigade while usually the number has been six or seven. Every hour throughout the night we can hear a volley of musketry fired by the Rebel pickets towards some of their men who are coming over to us. But it is a mutual understanding between the two that not one of them has been known to be shot in an attempt to desert. They either have no ball in their guns or fire over their heads. They are obliged to shoot however far if they do not they are accused and punished for complicity in the desertion. Some times an officer will take a gun and shoot at them and the Johnnies hollow to our pickets to lie down so they won't get shot. More of them have just come in as I heard a volley that is a sure sign. There is utmost friendliness between the pickets on both sides as they seldom fire under any circumstances. The deserters tell us that more would come over but they are told by the officers that we will put them in our army. They say however that two thirds of their army will come over before another campaign even if they would be put into our ranks. They say they can fight better on a full stomach than the way they are now half starved as they are. I saw some that came in the other night and a happier set of dirty ragged fellows you never saw. Our boys give them all that they can eat and it gives a soul good to see them stuffed...W. S. Cooke. The 37th Mass. regiment was formed in July 1862 and served until the end of the war in April 1865, seeing action at many battles including Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, duty in New York City after the draft riot, the Siege of Petersburg and the final pursuit and destruction of General Robert E. Lee's Army. It was formed from volunteers mainly from the western counties of Massachusetts, and it subsequently absorbed members of other units (notably the 7th and the 10th Massachusetts) in May and June 1864. The 37th was one of the first regiments to be issued the new Spencer repeating rifle, on July 15, 1864, increasing their firepower. The 37th Mass. was one of the first regiments to enter Petersburg. The surrender of the City to Colonel Edwards in command of the Sixth Corps, skirmish line..........................................$195.00

3018A - SAW A DESERTER SHOT WHILE SITTING ON HIS COFFIN, WE ARE AT WARREN STATION NEAR THE PETERSBURG LINE, 37th Mass. Volunteers, Co. F, Private Williard S. Cooke to his Father, near Petersburg, VA, January 3rd, 1865. Four pages in very bold pencil. He relates in part...He hopes to get detailed to Butler's Dept. in hopes of getting a furlough. We are presently camped near the center of the line on the very spot that the 5th Corps had done such desperate fighting to gain and hold the position on the Weldon Railroad. Nearby there is a large fort that was built by the Corps and perhaps you have seen in pictured in Harpers Weekly. The railroad cuts close to our camp and the station is just a few rods off. We are set at Warren's Station and are set in nice warm houses. We have been papering the inside of the houses with old "New York Heralds" [insulation] and it looks quite gay. I SAW A DESERTER SHOT TODAY. HE WAS SITTING ON HIS COFFIN WHEN HE WAS SHOT. Your Brother, W. S. Cooke [wrote to Father and Brother]. Records show that two Union soldiers were shot at Petersburg on January 6th, 1865 for desertion...Peter Cox of the 4th New Jersey and Michael Wert of the 184th PA. A well written letter by a member of the 37th Mass. The 37th Mass. regiment was formed in July 1862 and served until the end of the war in April 1865, seeing action at many battles including Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, duty in New York City after the draft riot, the Siege of Petersburg and the final pursuit and destruction of General Robert E. Lee's Army. It was formed from volunteers mainly from the western counties of Massachusetts, and it subsequently absorbed members of other units (notably the 7th and the 10th Massachusetts) in May and June 1864. The 37th was one of the first regiments to be issued the new Spencer repeating rifle, on July 15, 1864, increasing their firepower. The 37th Mass was one of the first regiments to enter Petersburg the surrender of the City to Colonel Edwards in command of the Sixth Corps skirmish line...............................................................$165.00

3019 - 2ND IOWA CAVALRY, ENEMY THREATENING NASHVILLE, Charles P. Hutchinson, Co. K, 2nd Iowa Cavalry to his brother's home in Illinois, at camp near Nashville, TN, December 10th, 1862. 4 pages in ink on attractive patriotic stationary [Washington standing by flag-green imprint]. He relates in part...about some in His company, one has died, the enemy is out in great force and they may try and take Nashville, skirmishing is going on at the present time and they have driven in our pickets today and our men are waiting for the enemy to come a little closer...we had a fight with them last week and made an attack on them at 4 AM on Thanksgiving morning and drove in their pickets killing 20 of them and only having three wounded. The new troops are dying off pretty fast just like last winter in Rolla [MO] when we buried  60 of our regiment. Letter comes with a patriotic cover with the stamp cut out. He refers to Bragg moving towards Nashville near Murfreesboro, TN. Well written on attractive stationary.............................................$125.00

3020 - 34TH IOWA SURGEON RELEASES HIM TO REJOIN HIS REGIMENT, June 25th, 1863, 4 pages in ink to his sister by Milton Hutchinson Co. F, 34th Iowa...he expects to start for his regiment that evening as the Surgeon has given him clearance to go. He is sending home $16 with a soldier who is going home on furlough...tells his sister that the money can be used to hire a hand to put up for the winter. Has heard from the boys at Vicksburg, direct letters to Cairo, IL, Company F, 34th Iowa. He was soon to join his regiment at Vicksburg and was later killed in action at Fort Blakely, AL in April 1865. Well written in ink, with stamped cover PM St. Louis, CDS bullseye cancellation......................................$75.00

3021 - A STEAMBOAT EXPLODED, SOLDIERS JUMP OVERBOARD, WIVES AND MOTHERS OF SOLDIERS ON BOARD, ONE WOMAN IS KILLED IN THE BURNING WRECK, A 34TH IOWA SOLDIER WRITES..., Morganza, LA, October 8th, 1863, 3 pages in ink on attractive green paper by Milton Hutchinson, 34th Iowa to his sister and cousin. He relates in part...We are camped at Morganza on the banks of the Mississippi River, mentions a fellow soldier named Jasper who had died of disease and had died in the "FAITH". He writes that the Rebels in the neighborhood are reported gone, a part of our army had come in the rear of them, they may have chased them out, have heard cannonading this morning down the river, don't know if it is near Port Hudson. There has been a great destruction of steamboats on the river this fall. Seven have been burnt the past month and a half. A few days ago there was a member of our company coming down the river on the ROBERT CAMPBELL [steamboat] and just at Milliken's Bend it took fire to the rear end in the hull. The fire ran up and burned the ropes so they could not get her ashore. She was within 100 yards of shore when they thought there was danger her boiler would blow up. Then there was a rush to the water and a member of my company jumped into the water and a deckhand helped save him and they swam to shore. About 40 lives were lost. There were several women on board going to see their sons and husbands who were in the army. One was sick in bed and burned to death, several others were saved by the men. An outstanding letter describing the destruction of the steamboat ROBERT CAMPBELL. Numerous steamboats, he writes, had burned on the river the previous month. Confederate agents had been burning steamboats on the river and the testimony of William Murphy in St. Louis in 1865 stated that a man named Ayleshire was paid $5000 by the Confederate Government to burn the ROBERT CAMPBELL. Other boats were named as being burned by Confederate agents and other boats mentioned by Hutchinson were probably burned by other agents rather than just accidents. The testimony of Murphy was designed to prove complicity of Jefferson Davis as acts of terror by burning the boats during the war. An important letter by Hutchinson. He later died at Fort Blakely, AL in April 1865..........................................................................$250.00

32605 - 34TH OHIO, PIATT'S ZOUAVES, OUR REGIMENT IS SPREAD OUT ALL OVER VIRGINIA, WE ARE IN THE DEFENSE OF WASHINGTON NOW, 200 MEN ARE POW'S IN RICHMOND, THE REGIMENT THAT WAS ONCE A FINE REGIMENT IS NO MORE, 4 page letter in ink to his cousin by John Sherrick, Company E, 34th Ohio, Camp near Centerville, VA, August 1st, 1863. He relates in part...One year ago I was within 4 miles of this place and ready to pack up to start for the front and we took the advance of Pope's Army and in 27 days we were driven back into Washington, since then I have knocked around Virginia and have seen some hard fighting, great deal of picket duty and run a great many risks. The unit had 800 fighting men and since then we have received 400 recruits and today where are they? Colonel Duffras [Duryea] is a General and is Burnside's Chief of Cavalry, 200 men ate at Richmond as prisoners of war, 100 men are at the front with Colonel Thompson, about 80 are here under Captain Baker. Conscripts will be arriving and it will be just drill, drill, drill. We have to scout and picket, returned last night from a 24 hour ride, this squad is in the defense of Washington under General Heintzelman...much more. Sherrick continues on from the bottom of page four to a postscript at the top of page one but does not put a signature. We will include a copy of another Sherrick letter with his signature [this letter is not incomplete, just unsigned]. The 34th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment (or 34th OVI) was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It primarily served in the Eastern Theater in what is now West Virginia and in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley region. They are well known for wearing on Americanized Zouave uniform which consisted of: A dark blue jacket with red trimming, a pair of sky blue baggy trousers with two stripes of red tape going down vertically, a pair of tan gaiters, and a red ottoman styled fez with a blue tassel. They are known at Piatts Zouaves. A very good letter........................................................................$125.00

32606 - WE HAVE BEEN RUNNING AFTER MOSBY AND HIS GUERILLAS FOR WEEKS, THE OLD CUS IS SMARTER THAN OUR OFFICERS, A DESERTER IS TIED TO A TREE AND COVERED WITH MOLASSES AND THEY LET THE FLIES GO AFTER HIM, 34TH OHIO PIATT ZOUAVES, 4 pages in ink to his cousin by John Sherrick, Co. E, 34th Ohio Vol, Centerville, VA. He relates in part, August 8th, 1863...We have been going around old Virginia first one place and then another, have been detached from the regiment and have been scouting for General King, keeps fellow up have the night and in the saddle a good part of the time. The prospects to a speedy end to the war seems good and a war with England seems inevitable...I have seen as much fighting as I want to...it is almighty hot here and when you get into the shade the flies torment you almost to death. There is a kind of fly here that will eat a man up if he stays still long enough...A DESERTER FROM ANOTHER REGIMENT WAS CAUGHT YESTERDAY AND THEY TIED HIS HANDS BEHIND HIM, TIED HIM TO A TREE, TOOK OFF HIS SHIRT AND COVERED HIS BACK WITH MOLASSES  AND LET THE FLIES GO AFTER HIM. I DON'T KNOW WHETHER THAT WILL CURE HIM OF DESERTING OR NOT. THEY WILL BITE THROUGH A SHIRT AS HARD AS A BUMBLE BEE...I SUPPOSE YOU HAVE READ ABOUT MOSBY AND HIS GUERILLAS...WELL HE IS THE MERRY MAN WE HAVE BEEN RUNNING AFTER THE PAST 3 OR 4 WEEKS AND THE OLD CUSS IS SMARTER THAN OUR OFFICERS FOR HE HAS TAKEN TEAMS WITHIN A MILE OF US WHEN WE WERE LOOKING FOR HIM AND HE GOT AWAY, MUCH MORE. Sherrick continuess from page four crosswise on part of page one which makes his signature light after 'write soon'. We will include a copy of another Sherrick letter with his clear signature. The 34th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment (or 34th OVI) was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It primarily served in the Eastern Theater in what is now West Virginia and in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley region. They are well known for wearing an Americanized Zouave uniform which consisted of: A dark blue jacket with red trimming, a pair of sky blue baggy trousers with two stripes of red tape going down vertically, a pair of tan gaiters, and a red ottoman styled fez with a blue tassel. They are known as Piattss Zouaves. A very good letter, Sherrick later dies of wounds in 1864 in a Baltimore hospital after being wounded at Fisher's Hill. Excellent deserter punishment content and Mosby content...............................................................................$250.00 SOLD

32801 - ILLINOIS SOLDIER WRITES FROM HAY MARKET, KY, PATRIOTIC STATIONARY, November 21st, 1861, to his sister in Kane County, IL. Red and blue Miss Liberty with flag. 4 pages, he relates...we moved to Camp Holman went about 24 miles from West Point and are camped on the roughest type of ground, there are 75,000 soldiers within 12 miles of here, plenty to eat, boys sing each night, have prayer meetings, some light water staining. Comes with cover stamp removed...............................$49.50

32804 - 2ND NEW HAMPSHIRE, WE TOOK THE OFFICER AND COMMANDING OFFICER WITHOUT FIRING A SHOT, DESCRIBES SLAVES IN THE LOCALE, September 2nd, 1861, Bladenburg [MD], 3 pages on colored letter sheet of Miss Liberty red/blue with flag, J. F. Haines, Co. E, 2nd New Hampshire to his sister. He relates in part...Our troops took a place named Monson a hill that was hard to take but we took it without firing a shot, took the Rebel Commanding officer and two lieutenants without firing a shot, many slaves here, there are here every Sunday with apples to sell, they are poorly dressed, some have no shoes, the women have a rag tied to their hair, they hardly look fit, they come 14 miles to sell their apples. The ink is somewhat light but quite legible. Nice content.....................................................$75.00

32805 - 8TH INDIANA LETTER SHEET, THE BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK, 3 page letter by an anonymous soldier, March 14th, 1865 to his sister. The letter sheet has great artillery graphics in red and is a poem by C. A. Savage, Co. K, 8th Indiana from Camp near Petersburg, VA. The letter deals with camp news, will go to City Point to mail an express package, more personal news. A great colorful letter sheet...................................................$75.00

32807 - EAGLE FLYING FROM MOUNTAIN, TATTERED CONFEDERATE FLAG, US FLAG IN FOREGROUND, Moreheadville, Erie Co., June 25th [62]. 7 page letter home in ink, great patriotic graphics, home news..........................$50.00

32808 - 80 MEN WERE IN PURSUIT OF A DESERTER, A MOTHER FEELS FOR HER EXECUTED SON, Polo, Illinois. 4 page letter in ink to Lt. Oscar Sammis, February 21st, 1864, 92nd Illinois Mounted Infantry from a family member at home. She relates...keep a sharp lookout for Rebel villains, Mother is worried about Moses going to Idaho for gold, yesterday a deserter got away and there were 80 people in pursuit, this is the 4th time he has deserted...he will be shot of course, Rastus Daly [Erastus Daily 88th Illinois executed 11/13/62 for desertion] was executed near Chattanooga, his mother feels dreadful - she said he was shot because the officers hated him. A great home letter with excellent content on deserters.......................$65.00

32809 - SOME OF MORGAN'S MEN HAVE BEEN CAPTURED, NEWS OF GETTYSBURG, VICKSBURG, AND PORT HUDSON, July 22nd, 1863, Polo, Illinois. 4 page letter to Lt. Oscar Sammis of the 92nd Illinois Mounted Infantry stationed near Chattanooga by his sister. She relates in part...I see by the papers that some of you have been after old Morgan and captured the greatest part of his men, and now it seems that Vicksburg and Port Hudson are taken, and together with Meade's Victory and the capturing of so many of Morgan's men there cannot be a great many left. A newsy home letter regarding the three great victories of July 1863.......................................$48.00

32810 - NEWS OF THE DRAFT RIOTS IN NEW YORK, NEGROES KILLED IN THE STREETS BY THE IRISH, JEFF DAVIS CALLS OUT EVERY MAN BETWEEN 18 AND 45 INTO THE CONFEDERATE ARMY, July 26th, 1863, home front letter written to Lt. Oscar Sammis of the 92nd Illinois Mounted Infantry. 4 pages in ink. She related in part...We are all rejoicing on all the recent victories our army has had and we hope it will continue. They are drafting in some parts of the state, we expect it will soon commence here...they had a great riot in New York on account of the draft, it was mostly by the Irish, they set buildings on fire, plundered and stole a great deal and worst of all they picked at the Negroes killing them and beating them whenever they came across them. They killed about 20 or 30 before they were put down. Other riots have been threatened but they have been put down before they went. Jeff Davis called on every man between the ages of 18 and 45 to go into the service...well I guess we can match Jeff yet awhile so let him call on...we have plenty of men yet at home...your friend Caroline. The New York City draft riots (July 13 to July 16, 1863; known at the time as Draft Week) were violent disturbances in New York City that were the culmination of discontent with new laws passed by Congress to draft men to fight in the ongoing American Civil War. The riots were the largest civil insurrection in American history apart from the Civil War itself. President Abraham Lincoln sent several regiments of militia and volunteer troops to control the city. The rioters were overwhelmingly working class men, resentful, among other reasons, because the draft unfairly affected them while sparing wealthier men, who could afford to pay a $300.00 Commutation Fee to exclude them from its reach. Initially intended to express anger at the draft, the protests turned ugly and degraded into "a virtual racial pogrom, with uncounted numbers of blacks murdered on the streets." The conditions in the city were such that Major General John E. Wool stated on July 16. "Martial law ought to be proclaimed, but I have not a sufficient force to enforce it." The military suppressed the mob using artillery and fixed bayonets, but not before numerous buildings were ransacked or destroyed, including many homes and an orphanage for black children..........................................$95.00

32811 - A FRIEND WANTS A DARKY TO BE SENT UP TO HER FROM TENNESSEE, PART OF UNIT WILL BE GRANT'S BODYGUARD, THE 92ND REGIMENT HAS BEEN MOUNTED AND ATTACHED TO GENERAL WILDER, August 2nd, 1863, Polo, IN. 4 page Illinois home front letter to Lt. Oscar Sammis, 92nd Illinois Mounted Infantry by his sister...We have not heard from you in awhile are you off stealing horses, Mary says send her Darky along as she needs him in this hot weather, we have noticed that the 92nd has been mounted and attached to General Wilder's Division, General Grant has ordered three companies of his regiment [92nd Illinois] to Vicksburg for his body guards...Joseph says that completely uses up that regiment...says there will be nothing left than the 4th Illinois Cavalry. Quite newsy and interesting content.......................................$48.00

32813 - AFRAID THAT THE REBELS MIGHT GET INTO WASHINGTON, Polo, Illinois, July 17th, 1864, from the sister of Lt. Oscar Sammis, 92nd Illinois Mounted Infantry serving near Chattanooga. She relates in part in a 4 page ink letter...you have read in the papers about of the raid into Penn. And Maryland, we felt afraid for awhile that the Rebels might get into Washington and I think there were some near Washington...Sherman has been doing some terrible fighting the past two weeks...the opinion here is that he will soon clear out most of that part of the country. Her letter describes Jubal Early's raid towards Washington June - July 1864, Robert E. Lee was concerned about Hunter's advances in the Valley, which threatened critical railroad lines and provisions for the Virginia-based Confederate forces. He sent Jubal Early's corps to sweep Union forces from the Valley and, if possible, to menace Washington, D.C., hoping to compel Grant to dilute his forces against Lee around Petersburg, Virginia. Early was operating in the shadow of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, whose 1862 Valley Campaign against superior forces was fabled in Confederate history. Early got off to a good start. He drove down the Valley without opposition, bypassed Harper's Ferry, crossed the Potomac River, and advanced into Maryland. Grant dispatched a corps under Horatio G. Wright and other troops under George Crook to reinforce Washington and pursue Early. Monocacy (July 9) Early defeated a smaller force under Lew Wallace near Frederick, Maryland, but this battle delayed his progress enough to allow time for reinforcing the defenses of Washington. Fort Stevens (July 11 - 12) Early attacked a fort on the northwest defensive perimeter of Washington without success and withdrew back to Virginia...........................................$55.00

32814 - ELMIRA, NY, PROVOST MARSHALL GIVES INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT TWO LISTS OF DESERTERS LIVING IN HIS COUNTY AND WHAT TO DO REGARDING ENROLLING NEW TROOPS, 27th District of NY, Elmira, NY, May 20th, 1863. He writes to the deputy Provost Marshall giving him lists of deserters in Steuben County and to arrest the men on the lists and deliver them to headquarters. Also he gives instructions, oaths of office, blank lists for enrollment, which with the assistance of Surgeon J. B. Graves, you will see transmitted to each enrolling officer in Steuben County and return the oath of office to me. M.J. Green Provost Marshall. An act for "enrolling and calling out the National Forces" was signed into law on March 3, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. This, the first effective draft by the federal government, called for all men between the ages of 18 and 45 to be enrolled into local militia units and be available to be called into national service. The draft law exempted men in some occupations, such as telegraph operators, railroad engineers, judges, and certain other government employees. Men with mental disabilities or with certain types of dependents were also exempted. Physical disabilities that would exempt a man included imperfect vision in the right eye, lack of front teeth and molars, and loss of more than one finger of the right hand or more than two fingers of the left hand. By July, the new draft hit high emotions in New York City where a riot where many were killed [especially Negroes], was subdued by Union troops. This Provost Marshall is trying to round up deserters in his district as well as setting the stage for enrolling more volunteers or the drafted men covered by Lincoln's March law. An interesting document, 8" X 10" manuscript..............................................$49.00

32704 - IS THERE EXCITEMENT IN CAMP SINCE THE FIRST OF JANUARY SINCE THE DARKIES ARE FREE, ARE THEY MANY NEGROES WITH YOU AND DO THEY MAKE THEIR NIGGER SHINES, NEWS OF THE GREAT VICTORY AT MURFREESBORO, January 11th, 1863, Polo, IL, letter to Lt. Oscar Sammis of the 92nd Illinois from his sister Sybil Hill. 2 large pages in ink on blue paper. She relates in part...she asks if there is much excitement in his camp since January since the Darkies were freed [Emancipation Proclamation] as the political excitement has been high in Polo the past few weeks, mentions a fellow named Bellous who her brother helped catch last year [deserter] and was brought to Dixon, well he deserted again, suppose you have heard about the great victory at Murfreesboro where Rosecrans whipped the Rebels and took the place, great rejoicing when we heard the news, Vicksburg will soon be taken, are there many Negroes with you and do they make many of their nigger shines and make the time pass away lively. An excellent letter written just after the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted into the law of the land. Well written on blue paper, trifle light but clear to read. Crisp paper.............$95.00

32705 - 13TH MAINE, CAMP AND GARRISON EQUIPMENT MANIFEST, August 11th, 1864, Augusta, ME. 8" X 10" printed form and filled in listing received from Lt. R. B. Grover, 13th Maine, lists uniform clothing, 1 forage cap, blouses, trousers [infantry], shirts, drawers, stockings. The 13th Maine participated in the New Orleans Expedition under Butler, the Rio Grande Campaign, Red River Campaign, and back to Virginia in 1864. This document was written while the veterans were on furlough Aug - Sept. 1864. Very fine...........................$28.50

32706 - 5TH IOWA CAVALRY AT FORT HENRY, KENTUCKY, HAS BEEN VACCINATED TWO OR THREE TIMES BEFORE IT TOOK, April 27th, 1862, 7 pages in ink by Lorenzo P. Roe, Company C, 5th Iowa Cavalry who was a bugler. He relates to his mother in excellent manuscript in ink...he has been vaccinated two or three times but it never took and it finally took - the small pox on the last day of February...he had a very light [case of smallpox] but it has left scarcely a mark on him, he was kept at Paducah about seven weeks to help with the sick at the hospital. He weighs 140 pounds which is more than he ever weighed before...we are located in a beautiful grove on the western side of the Tennessee River about three miles from directly across from Fort Henry...we live in tents ours being a large one taken by the Secesh and accommodates 12 men, we lay on the ground as straw and hay are scarce and we can get nothing but corn for our horses, describes the hard tack they have to eat, we get a little fresh beef and bacon, describes their other food stuffs, bean soup, biscuits, coffee, dried fruits, describes their mess kits, accessories...mentions the great battle that will soon be at Corinth will be a decisive one and then 50,000 cavalry will be discharged. He gives his address as "Curtis Horse Band, Ft. Henry, KY". A very scarce letter describing vaccinations for small pox in the Army. Poe later was discharged for a disability in July 1864 at Nashville, TN. Smallpox was more feared than the enemy's bullets. When the Civil War began, vaccines that used human scabs as their source were an unperfected new product. The procedure for administering the vaccine was itself so crude that it often created problems. Each man would wait in line for a doctor to cut his arm three or four times with a knife, then put a little of the vaccine into the wounds. The doctors "wholesale slashing and cutting of arms" gave the men sore arms for 10 days. Smallpox thrived in dirty conditions and affected soldiers and civilians alike. Prisoners of war on both sides died of the disease. Many poor blacks living in dirty refugee camps on the outskirts of Washington, D. C., also perished of smallpox. Their clothes were often sold to secondhand shops, thereby spreading the virus, which could live in the clothes for 18 months. The Confederate army saw their first cases of smallpox after contact with Yankees at Sharpsburg. With an outbreak threatening their army, all Confederates were ordered to be vaccinated. Doctors went out and vaccinated healthy children and then used the scabs to make some vaccines for their soldiers. Many soldiers, not willing to wait for the doctors, vaccinated one another using dirty pocketknives and scabs from fellow soldiers. Their contaminated, large cuts often resulted in nasty infections.....................................................$135.00

32707 - THE 34TH NEW YORK JUST AFTER MANASSAS JULY 1861, HIS DEALINGS WITH A SUTLER ISSUING SHIN PLASTERS, Washington, D.C., July 30th, 1861, four pages in ink on irregular paper by Frank [Francis] Bailey, 34th NY Infantry, [Herkimer Regiment]. He relates to his sister and brother in part...we are about to leave here for some place unknown and I and the rest of the boys feel anxious as we don't think we will get such as good place as this for water and conveyances, our Captain has gone to Herkimer to get recruits to fill our regiment to 1,000 men, describes Sutler as he gives them tickets of 3 - 5 and 10 cents to pass [Sutler chits] describes the prices the Sutler charges for tobacco, cheese, and butter - we call them shin plasters...one soldier got a letter stating it was reported that 14 of our boys were shot while bathing - he denies that report, mentions others in the unit - Adam Ruffins, tell Riley Wait he can come here and get a rifle...Frank [Francis Bailey]. Excellent commentary on an early Sutler in the war. The Adam Rubbins he referred to was William Rubbins who later died at Antietam..............................................................$89.00

32712 - 40TH MASSACHUSETTS, MINERS HILL, VA, THE WOODEN GUNS OF THE CONFEDERATES, October 22nd, 1862. 4 pages in bold pencil by Edwin A. Lane to his Father at Miners Hill, VA on patriotic stationary large colored star. He relates in part...we moved from Fort Ethan Allen to Munson Hill, the Rebels had their wooden guns, we see their fort as it is 75' high on a hill. The fort is made of barrels all around filled with dirt to make the fort, have been to Falls Church and have been on picket now at Miners Hill, we are right on top of the hill, wants a box sent to him filled with ginger snaps and cakes, he has not been paid and is need of gloves and stockings. Have gotten the mumps and one side of my face is swollen up the size of two fists, we are in General Robert Cowden's brigade who was the Colonel of the 1st Mass...Edwin A. Lane, Co. H, 40th Mass. Lane describes Confederate "Quaker guns" and the very important position of Miner's Hill which the Confederates had held until their arrival. Lane later died at Petersburg on June 24th, 1864. Some age tone, bold pencil.......................................................$100.00

32600 - KENNERVILLE, LOUISIANA [WEST OF NEW ORLEANS ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER], (PRESENT DAY KENNER, LA), January 12th, 1865. 3 page letter in ink with a Union Patriotic cover [writing somewhat faded due to a water stain, THE WAR FOR THE UNION PATRIOTIC - stamped], written it his cousin Sophia by Oscar Brothers, 47th Indiana and unusually written by a friend of his as he notates after his signature....he is finally answering a letter written to him a month ago as he had been setached away from his regiment and had received the letter while he was at St. Charles [next Parish 15 miles away]. He had been sent up the river from St. Charles to Duvall's Bluff and then to Little Rock and had then been sent up the Arkansas River to guard a boat up to Fort Smith that was loaded with rations for Fort Smith. The water was so low they only got up the river 150 miles while he lay for three weeks...while there they got to go in the country to see the young ladies and had parties but it was not as nice to be among the Southern girls as it would have been to be with the ladies of freedom of the north...we are now camped about 19 miles above the City of New Orleans on the east bank of the Mississippi River in a large cotton field, the camp has been very wet and muddy. On nice warm days, I have made myself a "washwoman" as I have been washing clothes for the boys for amusement, Oscar Brothers 47th Indiana.........................................................$85.00

32601 - AN EX CONFEDERATE POW FROM TENNESSEE IS LOOKING FOR HIS GUN AFTER HIS RELEASE FROM JOHNSON'S ISLAND, Whitefield County, Georgia, May 20th, 1866. One page letter in ink to Frank Hammum formerly of the 61st Tennessee who had been released from Johnson's Island late in 1865 by W. J. Johnson. He relates in part...Johnson states he did not received any letter from ex Lt. Hannum before he left Tennessee, states that Lt. Hannum's gun is in the hands of his brother-in-law Morgan Lane and to drop him a note at Whitesburg, Jefferson County, Tennessee..."you say you have not heard from out old regiment, Rader and Davis are now at home, Jackson is in Middle Tennessee somewhere, Rose. I have never heard a word from since he left the Island [Johnson's Island]." This letter is accompanied by a stamped cover with a pen cancellation Vernell's Station, GA, May 22, 1866. An interesting letter from old POW buddies from Johnson's Island. 2 pieces.......$55.00

3700 - 10TH MISSOURI INFANTRY ABOUT TO ENGAGE AT CORINTH, 24" X 30", pre-printed muster roll for Company I, 10th Missouri Infantry, Captain Joel Strong commanding. Dated April 30th, 1862 at Hickman, Kentucky listing over 60 soldiers and their pay received for March and April 1862. The 10th Missouri was en route to Shiloh and then to the siege at Corinth, MS. Strong lists what they have done since leaving Cape Girardeau, MO. He notes...left on March 20th on the transport and reached Birds Point at 5 PM the same day. Embarked on the steamer Thomas S. Dickey and proceeded to Hickman, Kentucky which is our present station which we arrived at daybreak on the 22nd and occupied the town and unfurled the Northern ensign which had not been seen since the breaking out of the Rebellion. The 10th Missouri was at Cape Girardeau, MO, until April 30. Moved to Pittsburgh Landing, TN, April 30, Coffey's Landing, TN, May 2, Siege of Corinth, MS, May 5-30. Action at Farmington May 9 (Reserve). Skirmish on Booneville Road May 29, pursuit to Booneville May 31-June 12. At Corinth until August, at Jacinto until September 18, Battle of Iuka September 19, Battle of Corinth October 3-4, Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November, 1862 to January, 1863. Escort train to Memphis, TN, December 20-30, 1862, guard duty on Memphis & Charleston Railroad at Germantown and near Memphis until March, 1863, expedition to Yazoo Pass and operations against Fort Pemberton and Greenwood March 13-April 5. Moved to Milliken's Bend, LA and duty there until April 25, movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30, Battle of Port Gibson May 1 (In support), Big Black River May 3, Battles of Raymond May 12, Jackson May 14, Champion's Hill May 16, Siege of Vicksburg, MS, May 18-July 4, assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22, Surrender of Vicksburg July 4. Strong was wounded in the shoulder at Champion Hill. His photo is shown above, some embellishments light, minor seam strengthening in a spot, otherwise very good..........................................$225.00

3701 - 10TH MISSOURI INFANTRY, THE 2ND BATTLE OF CORINTH, IUKA, MISSISSIPPI, pre-printed 24" X 30" muster roll of Company I of the 10th Missouri Infantry listing over 50 men and their pay information signed by Captain Joel Strong October 31st, 1862 at Corinth, MS. The roll was for the period June 30th - October 30th, 1862. In the event section, Strong chronicles their actions since the last muster roll. He relates..."September 1st, 1862, at camp near Jacinta [Jacinto], MS. Remaining there until September 14th and on that day marched to Iuka and reached the battlefield on the 19th, the regiment being in reserve, loss 22 in killed and wounded, the next day pursuing the retreating enemy returned to Jacinta [Jacinto] on the 21st and remained in camp until October 1st when the regiment was ordered to camp near Corinth and reached there on the 1st, moved camp on the 2nd at 2 o'clock and received orders to be in the line in thirty minutes all being prompt to time we took up a line of march to Corinth where with the regiment participated in the fight of the 3rd and 4th, the regiment lost 93 killed and wounded and on the 5th pursued the retreating enemy from 15 to 32 miles per day returning on the 11th to Corinth and on the 13th moved to our present position one mile north of Corinth, MS." The 10th Missouri was at Cape Girardeau, MO, until April 30, moved to Pittsburgh Landing, TN, April 30. Coffey's Landing, TN, May 2, Siege of Corinth, MS, May 5-30. Action at Farmington May 9 (Reserve). Skirmish on Booneville Road May 29, pursuit to Booneville May 31-June 12. At Corinth until August, at Jacinto until September 18, Battle of Iuka September 19, Battle of Corinth October 3-4. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November, 1862 to January, 1863. Escort train to Memphis, TN, December 20-30, 1862,guard duty on Memphis & Charleston Railroad at Germantown and near Memphis until March, 1863. Expedition to Yazoo Pass and operations against Fort Pemberton and Greenwood March 13-April 5, moved to Milliken's Bend, LA, and duty there until April 25. Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30, Battle of Port Gibson May 1 (In Support). Big Black River May 3, Battles of Raymond May 12, Jackson May 14. Champion's Hill May 16, Siege of Vicksburg, MS May 18-July 4, assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22, surrender of Vicksburg July 4. Strong was wounded in the shoulder at Champion Hill. His photo is shown above. A good account of the action of the 10th Missouri at Iuka and Corinth. Some slight seam restoration that is quite usual for these huge folded documents.....................................$295.00

3262 UNION BATTERIES OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, REBELS TRY TO CAPTURE THE BATTERIES, 4TH US ARTILLERY, 3 large pages in ink by Sergt. Major John Hunter, 4th US Artillery to friend Rapp, March 11th, 1863, position off Fredericksburg. He relates in part…I was detailed as Sergt. Major of the Headquarters Reserve, was arrested and sent to his battery and out in charge of a detachment as “Chief of Piece”, mentions a girl involved with the commanding officers, desires his friend buy him an Italian/English dictionary. last night we heard of a attempt the Rebels were to make to make a raid across the river and spike our cannons. So we set a trap and loaded with canister waiting for them but they failed to come. A boat crossed below us with 15 Rebels which were all captured. We are ready for them tonight’s with our ‘pieces’ being drawn back 80 yards and ready to take them if they enter our camp. Perhaps we shall have some sport one of these dark nights. I have a Corporal [gunner] and 22 privates in my detachment. Our gun will speak for itself and give a good account. The weather is still not settled and the roads are still dreadful. Mentions that he received the Brevet of Sergeant for “gallant and meritorious service” last Saturday. He will kill all Rebels that approach him with hostile intent. John Hunter. Hunter was brevetted for his gallant service at the Battle of Chapel Hill and was later made 1st Lt. in October 1864. He served in the regular army until 1871. An extremely well-written letter on the banks of the Rappahannock River several months after Fredericksburg and Burnside’s ill fated ‘Mud March”............................................$159.00

3263 THREE HEARTY CHEERS FOR THE LADIES AND THE UNION, THE MARCH IN AND THROUGH BALTIMORE BY THE 21ST NEW YORK REGIMENT, 4 pages in ink and pencil [3/4 ink], Ansel W. Dumphrey, 21st NY Vol., July 3rd, 1861. He relates in part...Only the favorites will be promoted no matter how gallant others are, the 3rd day after we arrived in Washington we flew through hill and dale stopping at Williamsport…the ladies had a huge lunch spread out for us, away we sped and changed cars in Baltimore marching through the center of the city, the people there did not have the inclination to attack us on the contrary told us we were a noble looking regiment…the road was well guarded with Federal troops…bridges temporary built where the Rebels had burned them down…we were cheered by men women and children…we marched to a beautiful place that is our camp…we take a Rebel every now and then…it is expected that General Scott will take a force to take Richmond- that will take the blues out of the boys…we could not get a sight of Uncle Abe- Pres [when in Washington]. Ansel W. Dumphrey. A well written newsy letter about the early travels of the 21st NY through Baltimore…...............................................$95.00

3264 REBEL PROPERTY HAD BEEN PROTECTED UNTIL NOW IN KENTUCKY, REBELS ARE BEING ROUTED OUT, SENATOR DAVIS OF KENTUCKY DESIRES HARD PUNISHMENT FOR TRAITORS, 4 large pages in ink by Captain John O. Campbell, 45th PA., Vol., to his friends, Paris, Ky., April 9th, 1863. He relates in part about their entry and camping in Kentucky...we are under to join our brigade at Camp Dick Robinson…although the footprints of war are evident in Kentucky the county side is magnificent.. There are many loyalists here but there are some excessively bitter Rebels here principally the ‘softer sex”. The Federals have been stripped by the likes of John Morgan, Kirby Smith, Marshall and others while the property of the Rebels have been protected while the Federal authorities are present. I am happy to say that this is about to change. Scouts searched houses and ho knowledge of any Rebels was known, four Rebels spies were found [one of whom could not be moved] and were brought to the town jail. Our government has acted as a fool long enough. Senator Davis lives in the suburbs of the town [Paris]. He desires to see the whole town freed of all disloyalty and the leading men shot and the women sent to military prisons and compelled to wait on themselves instead of having servants with them. The Senator can see what is good for Kentucky but did not endorse a measure that would give us character in the eyes of Europe - The Emancipation Proclamation. We are camped in the Bourbon County fairgrounds, describes the camp and the large facilities used by the soldiers. The “Clay’s are a very minimum here with some three or exceptions are loyal. Mentions a Unionist school teacher named Bacon who is a valuable supporter but owns 4-5 blacks, invited officers to a wonderful dinner at their house, John O. Campbell. A wonderful letter on Kentucky politics and the situation within the towns Unionists vs Rebels, Extremely well written. Campbell died of wounds he suffered at the Battle of the Wilderness 5/6/64. Senator GarrettDavis was opposed to secession, however, and supported the Constitutional Union Party ticket in 1860. This convinced him to reenter politics, and he was elected as a Unionist in 1861 to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the expulsion of John C. Breckinridge. He was reelected as a Democrat in 1867 and served from December 10, 1861 until his death in Paris, Kentucky in 1872. He served as chairman of the Committee on Private Land Claims. He was interred in Paris Cemetery.................$195.00

3266 THE RESULTS OF CONFEDERATE ARTILLERY NEAR PETERSBURG, A MAN HAS HIS HEAD BLOWN OFF, near Petersburg, December 9th, 1864, 3 pages in ink by John Smith, Co. I 35th Mass. Volunteers. He relates in part to his wife...The artillery is firing from both sides, three days ago when our pickets were being relieved the Rebels threw a shell into them killing one and wounding three. The one killed was an old man from Company C who had his head blown off and died instantly, he did not know what hit him, another was hit in eight different places and probably will not live, if so he will at least lose an arm and an leg and was also hit in the body.. Another man lost his thumb, another slightly wounded in the side. Last night we had a man wounded by a Minnie ball. The ball passed through his arm but did not break the bone and went into his body. The shelling yesterday from both sides was lively. . There was a group of soldiers standing aside of our battery looking at the effects of our shells on the Rebels when a shell came in and hit into the crowd killing five and wounding others. All belonged to the 39th NY which was a new regiment here. Our losses along the entire line yesterday was heavy was as there was considerable firing on the picket lines. The deserters do not come in as fast as a week ago as I guess their officers keep a better look at them coming over in crowds. . We have heard that Hardie as escaped from Savannah before Sherman could invest the city but he has done considerable enough. I am now making out a report on all the killed, wounded, ill, died and it is considerable…John [John I Smith Co I 35th Mass.] Smith was appointed a 2nd Lt in January 1865. A great accounting of the horrific damage artillery shells did on infantry. Extremely well written........................$350.00

3267 - ONE OF OUR LIEUTENANTS WAS KILLED WHEN WE CROSSED THE RIVER AFTER THE REBELS, 1ST NEW YORK MOUNTED RIFLES, Camp Dodge, Suffolk, VA. 4 long pages in ink by Charles H. Hasting, 1st NY Mounted Rifles, January 1st, 1863. He relates in part...We had a hard rife was in the saddle from 7 AM to 3 AM, the Rebels came across a few times, once in a while we get a shot at them and they return the compliment, quite a number of our men have been wounded, two have died, and one has lost a leg...the cavalry is not as exposed as the infantry, if we move it will be towards Petersburg...the Rebels have a very strong hold at Black Water, if we attempt to cross the river they can pick us off, several of our companies went across the river and drove them 10 miles but returned as they had no infantry to back them up, that was when our Lieutenant was killed. Extremely well written, comes with DUE 3 stamped postal cover NORFOLK CDS of January 10th [1863].................................................$145.00

3268 - A SOLDIER KILLED A LITTLE GIRL IN THE WOODS, Harrisonburg, VA, October 11th, 1863. 3 page letter in ink by Edward Fisher of the 82nd PA Infantry writing to a friend. He relates in part...Am getting along fine but the crackers we have are so hard they are hard to get down without choking on them, we have bread twice a day and in the evening we have crackers and coffee. There has been a great many accidents around here, last week one soldier cut his leg off and broke his shoulder bone. ONE OF THE SOLDIERS WAS DOWN TOWN AND PICKED UP A LITTLE GIRL AND TOOK HER TO A SWAMP AND SHOT HER THROUGH THE NECK AND THEN CUT HER THROAT...THE GIRL WAS ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD AND NOW NO ONE DARES TO GO OUT OF THE CAMP...he discusses payment for boots, many men buy their own food, Edward Fisher. While quite a revealing letter about the murder of a little girl by a soldier, Fisher does not comment about the outcome of the murder - was the soldier identified and caught? The 82nd PA had been very active in the previous months fighting at Gettysburg and in the pursuit of Lee...extremely rare commentary of something unheard of in the Civil War - murder of a child by a soldier....................................................$175.00

3270 - THE REBELS CAME OUT AND TRIED TO PREVENT US FROM LANDING, West Point, VA, May 10th, 1862. 4 pages in ink with a stamped postal cover by Peleg F. Benson, Co. D, 18th MA Infantry. He relates to his brother in part...Your letter prompts me to write about our decisive stroke at Yorktown, a full account you have undoubtedly seen in the papers about Yorktown's evacuation. We expected a bloody battle and we are now on another wild goose chase. We are on our way to Richmond. The day before we landed at West Point the Rebels came out to prevent our troops from landing but they were driven back after a bloody battle. I do not know how many were killed on our side. In one building, I saw 27 dead and many wounded ones. It was a solemn sight to see. I feel I ought to be thankful that my life has been spared so far. We have much fighting to do yet. From Yorktown to West Point is 35 miles and about the same from West Point to Richmond. As far as war news we are not any better posted than you as we did not get papers often. Since we have left Hall's Hill, we have seen hard times and hard marches. One time we started on a march with only three days rations but it had to last 5 days. Our tents we curse are only 3' high and long enough for one to lie down. Our living is hared with pork and coffee. P. F. Benson. The Battle of Eltham's Landing, also knows as the Battle of Barhamsville, or West Point, took place on May 7, 1862, in New Kent County, Virginia as part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War. Brig. Gen. William B. Franklin's Union division landed at Eltham's Landing and was attacked by two brigades of Brig. Gen. G. W. Smith's command, reacting to the threat to the Confederate army's trains on the Barhamsville Road. Franklin's movement occurred while the Confederate army was withdrawing from the Williamsburg line, but he was unable to interfere with the Confederate movement. An excellent Peninsular Campaign letter......................................................$175.00

3251 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET, East Port, Alabama, March 18th, 1865. Two page letter to his wife by John Haggerty and engineer on the USS Carondelet. He relates in part...he refers to family matters and states that he has sent $10 to her as well as a photo of the boat, states that he has sent letters to his two children and has not heard back from them. Family matters continues. John Haggerty. USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition...................$75.00

3252 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET, East Point, Alabama, April 8th, 1865. Two large pages in ink to his wife by John Haggerty an engineer on the Carondelet. He relates in part...The gunboat Fair Play came up the river last night from Cairo and brought the good news that we are in Richmond, asks his wife to be more careful in writing as her writing is most difficult to read, asks about the recent floods back home he has heard about, family matters. John Haggerty. USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition. Paper has some archival repairs affecting several words...................................................$75.00

3254 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET, East Port, AL., April 24th, 1865. Four pages in ink to his wife by John Haggerty an engineer on the USS Carondelet. He relates in part...A gunboat came up with a convoy this morning with the mail aboard, there has been a problem with the mail as of late, the Rebels are about played out, any soldier or sailor who says anything about Abe Lincoln is punished severely...a still tongue makes a wise head...They will head to Mound City for repairs and will probably stay on the Mississippi River...John Haggerty...USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition............................................$125.00

3255 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Off Paducah, KY, May 11th, 1865. Four pages in ink by John Haggerty an engineer on the USS Carondelet to his wife back in Pittsburgh. He relates in part...He has enclosed $10 and mentions that the Mississippi Squadron will be reduced to 25 boats and there are presently 115 in the squadron. The Carondelet is a good boat in need of much repairs, her boilers had been examined and condemned so we expect to be one of the first boats to be discharged, the newspapers are brought on the boat by the newsboys in skiffs so we are kept informed of the events of the war, hopes to be home by July 4th, send letters to Cairo, Illinois, John Haggerty. A well written letter discussing the pending de-commissioning of the gunboat as the navy designs to compress the Mississippi Squadron. USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition.............................................$95.00

3256 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Off Paducah, KY, May 14th, 1865. 4 large pages to his wife by John Haggerty, an engineer on the Carondelet. He relates in part...that he has not any letter since her last scalding letter regarding him giving his Father things and hopes she will have no trouble with him coming home, lack of mail service made the Captain send a man to Cairo to tell the postmaster to get their mail sent up, I look for letters every time I see smoke coming down the river, he had sent a newspaper account of all the hard fighting the Carondelet had been in last December at Nashville and many a poor Rebel fell from the shot and shell from the old Carondelet and the whole western army spoke well of her, much more on family issues, John Haggerty. USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition..................$95.00

3257 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET,  May 18th, 1865, off Paducah, KY. 4 pages in ink by John Haggerty to his wife. He relates in part...The largest mail has come today, there are five letters from you and a newspaper, I just had a photo taken for my sister ashore, he is tired of the scolding letters his wife Margaret has been sending, if you can't send peaceful letters send none! I feel bad enough about being away from home without these letters...John Haggerty. While most letters from home were loving during the war to soldiers, obviously his wife's letters were just the contrary. USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition...................$75.00

3258 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Off Paducah, KY, May 20th, 1865. 4 large pages in ink by John Haggerty an engineer on the USS Carondelet. He relates to his wife in part...Had Negroes scrubbing the engine room, states that the last letter he had received was the first one in a long time that made him happy as the previous scolding letters she had sent him made him near crazy being so far away from home, describes the activities on the ship, they do not drill anymore, there are boats loaded with Rebel soldiers bringing them home and he wonders when he will go home, he goes in details about her scolding letters in the past to him, more on family matters, John Haggerty. A good newsy letter giving insight that all letters from home during the war were not loving letter. USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition...................$85.00

3259 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET,  Off Paducah, KY, May 26th, 1865. 4 large pages to his wife by John Haggerty an engineer on the Carondelet. He relates in part...he has sent clothing home that was of no use to him, coats, describes his mess mates as mostly from Pittsburgh and he eats with the men in the Engineer room, they have plenty to eat, potatoes, flour, beef, he has saved money that he will bring home, describes the little he buys on the boat so there is opportunity to save his pay. There is a Priest on board taking names to go to Confession at 8 AM tomorrow..."He is like other Priests - fond of money", one of the men struck an officer and he was put in the brig in double irons. A good newsy letter from the Carondelet heading back at the war's end...USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition...................$95.00

3260 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Off Mound City, Illinois, May 31st, 1865. Four pages in ink to his wife by John Haggerty an engineer on the Carondelet. He relates in part...we got orders to move to Mound City and came in sight of the flagship of the Mississippi Squadron and fired a salute of 9 guns from the old Carondelet. There are 21 gunboats here and more coming. We will soon be discharged. They are keeping only the good boats in the service and putting two and three year men on them, it is unusually hot tonight in the engine room as we have run all day...more...John Haggerty. USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition...................$95.00

3261 - ON BOARD THE GUNBOAT CARONDELET, June 6th, 1865, Off Mound City, IL. Four pages in ink by John Haggerty to his wife. Haggerty is an engineer on the Carondelet. He relates in part...They are going to take the guns off the boat, we are waiting for a boat to come aside and take them to New Orleans, he is awaiting his discharge, the Admiral is awaiting orders from Washington when to pay them [final pay] I am on watch in the engine room and it is 4 AM in the morning of June 6th. There is a great deal of gunboats here and more arriving each day, the river is black with them. More on family matters, John Haggerty. USS Carondelet, a 512-ton Cairo class ironclad river gunboat, was built at Saint Louis, Missouri, for the U.S. Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla. Commissioned in January 1862 with Commander Henry A. Walke, USN as her captain, Carondelet quickly entered combat, taking part in the captures of Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862. In March and April, she played an important role in the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Island Number Ten, on the Mississippi River. This was followed by operations against Fort Pillow and Memphis, TN, during April - June 1862. With the upper Mississippi now under Union control, Carondelet spent much of the following year in the long campaign against Vicksburg, MS. On 15 July 1862, while in the Yazoo River, she was badly damaged in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad Arkansas. Along with the other units of the Army's Western Rivers "navy", she was formally transferred to the U.S. Navy in October 1862. In April 1863, Carondelet was a member of the ironclad force that ran past Vicksburg and later bombarded Grand Gulf, MS. In May, combined Army-Navy operations that led to that fortified city's surrender on 4 July 1863. Thereafter, she was involved with a variety of expeditions and patrol operations, among them the March-May 1864 Red River expedition.................................................$95.00

3095 - THE OCCUPATION OF LEESVILLE, VA MARCH 1862, Camp Pierpoint, VA, March 8th, 1862. 4 pages in ink to family from a member of the 10th PA Vol. who was artilleryman and was from New Wilmington, PA. He relates in part...My health is good and so is the company's...Professor Vincent of New Wilmington preached for us near the quarters today. He is here on a visit to the 10th Regiment as there are some boys in our company he knows, a friend's brother is there driving the team for our company's Sutler Jim Clark...Colonel Geary [Colonel John Geary] has taken possession of Leesburg. He did not have to fight any to get it. Our troops came into town on one side and their troops went out on the other side...we are under orders for four days rations to be ready to march...we would like to march on and rout them as we go...the more I hear about them [Rebels] the more I went after them...was on guard last night and I was sleepy, the turnpike is dry from here to Washington, describes a falling tree crushing a tent, more on his camp life...signed Jim. Jim was an artilleryman as seen in his June 26th, 1862 letter...Geary's capture of Leesburg was the first Union occupation of that city. The 10th PA was about to move south and participate in the Peninsular Campaign that proved disastrous to McClellan..................................$95.00

3096 - MECHANICSVILLE, VA, THE BATTLE IS ABOUT TO START, THE REBELS HAVE HID THEIR GUNS SAY THE DESERTERS, SKIRMISHING THE DAY BEFORE THE BATTLE, Camped at Mechanicsville, VA, June 26th, 1862. Four large pages by an artilleryman of the 10th PA known as Jim. He writes on the day the Battle of Mechanicsville began about the days leading up to the battle...He comments on the health of the company, he has to be up and hitched each morning by 3 AM and some nights sooner [at night]. The Rebs come up on us at night when we are unaware, but they will have to get up real early to catch us. Our quarters is at a big farm house, we have plenty of water, pens in the yard, and stands in a nice white oak grove. There has no fighting here for some time but there are preparations for a good one...the Rebs are evacuation Richmond but is hard to tell, they are trying to do something...we have fired on them every day, but Sunday since we came here but they never replied once. They had four guns that we could see, deserters day they have others we can't see, deserters say they have others we can't see masked...yesterday they came out and hitched their teams to them [four guns] and took them away. We fired a few shells at them and they started out double quick and they ran in every direction. The Generals that have been here to see us praise us saying it is the best firing that has ever been done...we have shot a good bit now and now have the range and can put them just where we want...Two companies crossed the bridge on Monday under fire and drove in their pickets. They were fired on by the pickets as soon as they past out of the woods. There was no one hurt except one Sergt. in Company C of the 9th Regiment. He got a flesh wound in his right arm. He walked back to his side before he told anyone and was pretty weak from loss of blood. Our pickets and the Rebels exchanged newspapers the other day. The Reb came onto the bridge and waved a paper and our picket waved his and started out on the bridge, after a short conversation they exchanged papers and returned. It was a Richmond paper and said something that JEFF DAVIS wanted to leave and the people objected and said he had gotten them into this and he had to stay and get them out of it. It also spoke on the condition of their army...We can't get medicine and the deserters say the same...Sorry to hear that Calvin is dead after making it through so many hard battles. If I have to die I hope it will be on the battlefield and not in a hospital. Jim does not sign it but ends with "My Love to all" and then continues on for one sentence. We will include a copy of another letter written and signed by the same soldier written in March 1862, which he just signs Jim...The Battle of Beaver Dam Creek, also known as the Battle of Mechanicsville or Ellerson's Mill, took place on June 26, 1862, in Hanover County, Virginia, as the first major engagement [4] of the Seven Days Battles during the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War. It was the start of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's counter-offensive against the Union Army of the Potomac, under Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, which threatened the Confederate capital of Richmond. Lee attempted to turn the Union right flank, north of the Chickahominy River, with troops under Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, but Jackson failed to arrive on time. Instead, Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill threw his division, reinforced by one of Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill's brigades, into a series of futile assaults against Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter's V Corps, which occupied defensive works behind Beaver Dam Creek. Confederate attacks were driven back with heavy casualties. Porter withdrew his corps safely to Gaines Mill..............$225.00

3000 - LEAVING FREDERICKSBURG FOR THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST RICHMOND, Camp near Fredericksburg, VA, June 13th, 1863. Three pages in ink to his Father by Pvt. George W. Rogers, 9th PA Reserve Infantry on patriotic stationary [eagle, red, blue edge trim]. He relates in part..."I have been on fatigue duty at Fredericksburg, we are ordered to Richmond, the 1st and 2nd Brigades are already on transports, the 12th and 6th Regiments are on board along with the cavalry and artillery...Jim [his brother] has a Negro to wait on him but I would not have one for there are a nuisance...we had camped out on a Seesch farm about six miles from Fredericksburg on a river. The General told us to tear up the fences for fire and shanties as it was raining...that made the old Rebel roaring mad, he told us that two brigades could camp there but not to molest his fence. He would not sell us milk and said he would just as soon sell us poison and if he could he would cut our throats." Rogers later would be killed at Antietam and his brother Jim seriously wounded. A nice newsy letter just before the Peninsular Campaign began.............................................$125.00

3003 - SOLDIERS HERE ARE TREATED LIKE NEGROES -- MAYBE 10X WORSE, July 24th, 1862. Three pages in solid pencil by Pvt. George W. Rogers, 9th PA Reserve Infantry written just after the Seven Days Battles. He relates in part to his Father...he thanks his Father for paper and stamps...he describes their camp as an awful place with a lot of cases of diarrhea...he has had it along with pain in his bowels for over a week...he wished Governor Curtain would get the young men around Pittsburgh who are showing cowardness drafted...if they don't come soon the Peninsula will kill the devil...tells his Father to keep Bob home [his brother] for he would curse the hour if he came as they are treated like a Negro but 10 times worse...there are several fellows back home he would like to see drafted...George W. Rogers was killed at the Battle of Antietam. A newsy insightful letter on the conditions in that Union camp...............................................$75.00

3009 - PRISONER AT ANDERSONVILLE, KILLED IN THE EXPLOSION OF THE STEAMSHIP SULTANA, PRIVATE VALMORE LAMBERT, COMPANY D, 100TH OHIO, 100th Ohio, Company D, POW August 6th, 1864 at Utoy Creek, GA, POW at Andersonville, GA, paroled and died on the explosion of the Steamboat SULTANA on April 27th, 1865. TWO letters back to back to his Parents...1st letter dated July 9th, 1863, Stanford, KY, one large page in ink. He relates in part...I suppose you have heard of our march to Somerset in rain and mud all the way, I gave out on the evening of the first day, marched 23 miles and camped alone in a wheat shock, threw away some of my clothes...Stanford is quite a town in a fine country. We have a heavy force here with several batteries so I think the Rebels would do well to keep out of here...we are on provost duty and seldom get our mail, we do get papers which give us glorious news...letter #2 he writes on the verso, July 12th, Stanford, KY. Mentions the lack of food, but have gotten reinforcements so there is relief on guard duty. The forces have left here for Danville except our brigade. The 9th Army Corps is coming back here having gone a few weeks from Vicksburg...the guerillas burned a train at Crab Orchard night before last but our boys are picking up stragglers all of the time. There was a train about 10 miles long with the forces that left here yesterday. We are 28 miles from Nicholasville and a good pike [road] all the way. The supplies went there today, concerned over a lack of letters he has received...V. L. [Valmore Lambert] Lambert served with the 100th Ohio through the Knoxville Campaign, Cumberland Gap, Sherman's movement towards Atlanta and was captured at Utoy Creek, GA in August 1864, sent to Andersonville Prison, then paroled and sent home via the Mississippi River steamboat Sultana which exploded and Lambert was among the dead. A rare letter from a Sultana casualty. The SS Sultana was a Mississippi River steamboat paddle wheeler destroyed in an explosion on April 27, 1865. This resulted in the greatest maritime disaster in United States history. An estimated 1,800 of the 2,400 passengers were killed when three of the ship's four boilers exploded and the Sultana sank near Memphis. This disaster received somewhat diminished attention, as it took place soon after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and during the closing weeks of the Civil War. The wooden steamship was constructed in 1863 by the John Lithoberry Shipyard on Front Street in Cincinnati, and intended for the lower Mississippi cotton trade. Weighing 1,719 tons, the steamer normally carried a crew of 85. For two years, the Sultana ran a regular route between St. Louis and New Orleans. The steamship was frequently commissioned by the War Department to carry troops............................................................$395.00

3011 - PRISONER AT ANDERSONVILLE, KILLED IN THE EXPLOSION OF THE STEAMSHIP SULTANA, PRIVATE VALMORE LAMBERT, COMPANY D, 100TH OHIO, 100th Ohio, Company D, POW August 6th, 1864 at Utoy Creek, GA POW at Andersonville, GA paroled and died on the explosion of the Steamboat SULTANA on April 27th, 1865, Knoxville, TN, February 28th, 1864. 4 pages, 2 large legal in ink to his Parents. He relates in part...describes a pain he still has in his breast but the climate is wonderful, describes the ravaged countryside due to the War, destroyed fences, timber, people are hospitable that are left as have few slaves as near all the men with slaves have enlisted. Some of the locals are enlisted and becoming officers in Colored regiments. LONGSTREET has been forced to leave in a hurry leaving all that he could not carry with the men, even his pontoon at the Plains was left. We have got the Knoxville bridge done except for some little notions, the teams commenced to cross yesterday. Tomorrow we go to the Plains to rebuild the bridge there that our Generals so imprudently ruined. There is great effort to get our company back into the regiment. Our Colonel came back yesterday and told Mr. Carter he needed us but Mr. Carter told him he could not get along without us [Company had been assisting in re-constructing bridges around Knoxville]. The troops have nearly all gone back to the front - Grant will shake the Confederacy to the very center...the war is nearly over but I tell you that the war will not end until we humble ourselves to Almighty God...Lambert continues on for over 60 lines on his religious beliefs and the need to be humble as followers of that blessed lamb who died on the cross...V. Lambert. Lambert served with the 100th Ohio through the Knoxville Campaign, Cumberland Gap, Sherman's movement towards Atlanta and was captured at Utoy Creek, GA in August 1864, send to Andersonville Prison, then paroled and sent home via the Mississippi River steamboat Sultana which exploded and Lambert was among the dead. A rare letter from a Sultana casualty. The SS Sultana was a Mississippi River steamboat paddle wheeler destroyed in an explosion on April 27, 1865. This resulted in the greatest maritime disaster in United States history. An estimated 1,800 of the 2,400 passengers were killed when three of the ship's four boilers exploded and the Sultana sank near Memphis. [1] This disaster received somewhat diminished attention, as it took place soon after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and during the closing weeks of the Civil War. The wooden steamship was constructed in 1863 by the John Lithoberry Shipyard on Front Street in Cincinnati, and intended for the lower Mississippi cotton trade.  Weighing 1,719 tons, the steamer normally carried a crew of 85. For two years, the Sultana ran a regular route between St. Louis and New Orleans. The steamship was frequently commissioned by the War Department to carry troops...well written in ink in good style..............................................................$450.00

3100 - WHILE GUARDING A HOUSE IN VIRGINIA I SPENT THE NIGHT WITH A SOUTHERN LADY, 4 large pages in ink by Francis Aubin of the 146th NYV, Camp Augur, Upton Hill, VA, February 15th, 1862 to his sister. He relates in part...I must tell you a story about our skirmishing when we went last week between our pickets and the Rebels, we started in the afternoon and got to the Rebel pickets about dark. We skirmished for awhile and about seven o'clock the Captain told me to go to a certain house and guard it...later I was not paying attention to what was in the house and I felt someone taking me by my shoulders--it was an old nigger wench and I got up and was going to hit her with the butt of my gun, she begged me not to hit her and told me that her mistress, the table had been set for supper and asked me to take supper with her and a good looking gal. We had barely eaten half of the supper when the old woman gets up and leaves the room and leaves me with the young gal. I hitched up close to her and I must say I enjoyed myself tip top. I was up all night with her and had a good old gay time. About half past five, I awoke and decided to rejoin my company and asked the gal if I could have a kiss from her sweet lips...then he asked me what kind of soldier I was Secesh or Union. I told her that I was Union to the bone and she told me to get away from her...then there was a bank outside and it was my Captain and I was taken prisoner, more on what the boys said back in camp. Extremely well written by Francis Aubin who had two sons killed in the war [Frank and John]. Rare sexual content. We sold this letter in 2000 for $350 in our catalogue and just bought it again......................................................$395.00

3101 - FOUR LETTERS FROM TWO SONS AND A FATHER, ALL SERVING IN THE UNION ARMY, BOTH SONS DIED DURING THE WAR, The letters of Francis Aubin, 146th New York, Frank Aubin 22nd NY Infantry, and John Aubin of the 97th NY Infantry. John was captured July 1st, 1863 at Gettysburg and died at Camp Parole at Annapolis, MD. in May 1865. Frank was wounded at South Mountain, MD on September 14th, 1862 and died the following day. There are two letters from Frank, and one each from Francis and John. The letter from Father Francis informs his daughter of the death of Frank at Antietam. Three letters have stamped covers, all are written from the field in Virginia. The letters from the sons have moderate content. Three in ink, one in bold pencil. The family originated from Boonville, NY. A rare grouping of a Father serving in the Civil War along with his two sons who did not survive the War. 4 letters, 3 covers................................................$325.00

3102 - THERE ARE DEAD MEN'S FEET STICKING OUT OF THE GROUND, Camp of the 211th PA, camped near Petersburg, VA, December 2nd, 1864. 3 page ink letter by Morgan Hofius, Company D. He relates in part to his Parents...We have been on the march, went first to Petersburg then to the extreme left of the line which is about seven miles left of here where we were put into the 9th Corps. Then we marched here which is about 2 miles to the right of Petersburg and only a half a mile from the Rebel line. There is a railroad that runs from City Point to the front of our line and it is ply a short distance from our camp. The report is that we belong to the Corps that is going to Charleston. Burnside is the commander of our army and he wants to fight in Virginia. It is a curious place here. There have been big fights here since the war started and graves are as thick as can be in some places. The dead men's feet are sticking out of the ground. I have not heard from J. Graham since he was taken prisoner. Signs the letter Morg. [Morgan Hofius]. He was later wounded at Petersburg on April, 1865. A good letter from a unit that had just been formed and sent to Petersburg...................................................$169.00

3103 - THE GREAT NEWS OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG AND VICKSBURG, Putnam, OH, July 8th, 1863. 4 pages in ink by J. N. McBee to his children [he appears to be involved in enrolling men in several towns in Ohio]. He relates in part...describes a merchant he has visited as being a COPPERHEAD, finished enrolling two townships a week ago yesterday, but was somewhat annoyed by some BUTTERNUTS who had lies and evasion but I believe I got them all...I was 2 days employed [enrolling]. We have had striving times here especially since last Saturday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great account of the news from Gettysburg and Vicksburg as sporadic new reports hit this Ohio town. Meade stops short of destroying Lee's army and allows them to escape into Maryland...great Gettysburg content. Good event letters such as these on Gettysburg are rare...........................................$150.00

3107 - BATTLE OF CAMDEN, NORTH CAROLINA APRIL 1862, Camp Dickerson, Roanoke Island, NC, May 24th, 1862. 4 pages in ink on attractive colored patriotic stationary [two flags] by William L. Beers, Company C, 89th New York. Have been on this Island and although I have written have not hear back...I guess you have heard about our Battle at Camden [NC], and I would say that the correspondent from the New York Times was mistaken on some things...he gives the 21st Mass., and the 51st as the 6th NH too much praise...the 6th NH fired one volley at the Rebels and we and the 9th NY drove them from their rifle pits and battery and the 9th was along side of us the first time we charged them and then they poured the grape and canister into the 9th so they had to retreat back to the woods and as they head the lead we had to put for the woods. The next time we charged they killed to the right and there was none of our regiment killed but had one mortally wounded in our company. Ben Craft fell and hurt his hand...Marcus, Ben, and myself were the only boys in the battle, mentions others who were unfit for duty. William L. Beers, Co. C, 89th NY sent to Fortress Monroe [letters]...The Battle of South Mills, also known as the Battle of Camden, took place on April 19, 1862 in Camden County, North Carolina as part of Union Army General Ambrose E. Burnside's North Carolina expedition during the American Civil War. Learning that the Confederates were building ironclads at Norfolk, Burnside planned an expedition to destroy the Dismal Swamp Canal locks to prevent transfer of the ships to Albemarle Sound. He entrusted the operation to Brig. Gen. Jesse L. Reno's command, which embarked on transports from Roanoke Island on April 18. By midnight, the convoy reached Elizabeth City and began disembarking troops. On the morning of April 19, Reno marched north on the road to South Mills. At the crossroads, a few miles below South Mills, elements of Col. Ambrose R. Wright's command delayed the Federals until dark. Reno abandoned the expedition and withdrew during the night to the transports at Elizabeth City. The transports carried Reno's troops to New Bern where they arrived on April 22............$150.00 SOLD

3108 -  THE BATTLE OF KERNSTOWN, VA, STONEWALL JACKSON'S ONLY DEFEAT, April 2nd, 1862. 4 page letter in ink by Elias S. Stone, 83rd NYV [9th NY Militia], Headquarters 9th NY State Militia, 4 miles from Warrenton, VA. He relates in part to his sister...we left Winchester a week ago and have been marching ever since...the Rebels 11,000 strong attacked our forces but they made a mistake and they got badly whipped losing from 1200 to 1500 men in the engagement, we only lost 98 killed and 267 wounded and we also took 1600 prisoners. That is pretty good don't you think so our brigade marched to Centerville and over the battlefield at Bulls Run. The Rebels had 160,000 men there but did not stop to fight they have retreated to Richmond and we are going after them lively. Every time we have a fight they fly in dismay. There are 400 fortifications that they have quit and they bragged that we could never take them. Where McClellan made a move they did not stop and fight. The enemy is on the opposite side of the Rappahannock so we will have to wait until something is done by way of the James River where 2000 troops have gone to attack them from the other side...Direct letters to Washington, DC in General Banks' Division...more, The First Battle of Kernstown was fought on March 23, 1862, in Frederick County and Winchester, Virginia, the opening battle of Confederate Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's campaign through the Shenandoah Valley during the American Civil War. Attempting to tie down the Union forces in the Valley, under the overall command of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, Jackson received incorrect intelligence that a small detachment under Col. Nathan Kimball was vulnerable, but it was in fact a full infantry division more than twice the size of Jackson's force. His initial cavalry attack was forced back and he immediately reinforced it with a small infantry brigade. With his other two brigades, Jackson sought to envelop the Union right by way of Sandy Ridge. But Col. Erastus B. Tyler's brigade countered this movement, and when Kimball's brigade moved to his assistance, the Confederates were driven from the field. There was no effective Union pursuit. Although the battle was a Confederate tactical defeat, and in fact Jackson's only defeat in the war, it represented a strategic victory for the South by preventing the Union from transferring forces from the Shenandoah Valley to reinforce the Peninsula Campaign against the Confederate capital, Richmond. The Battle of Kernstown started Jackson on the road to being one of the most celebrated Confederate generals. Stone was killed at 2nd Bulls Run, August 30th, 1862. Well written......................................................$250.00

3112 - WE ARE 12 MILES FROM RICHMOND TAKING PRISONERS, A FRIEND IS BURIED ASIDE THE ROAD, THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS BEGINS, May 30th, 1864, 3 large pages by Lt. Augustus Tuttle of the 36th Mass. Infantry written to his wife. He relates in part...We continue to march and fight by day and night but the boys keep courage as we are bound for Richmond, we hope to be in Richmond by the 4th as Vicksburg fell last year on the 4th. We have seen such fighting as we have never seen before, it commenced on the 5th and has continued all the time since...the Rebel prisoners complain that we give them no rest, they begin to think that Grant and Burnside are after them in earnest, he mentions a soldier who died and was buried on the Spotsylvania Road near a house that was being used as a hospital, I think I should know the grave if the headstone is gone. I have his gold watch and other things to send home to his family and have written them with all the particulars, mentions that their Major had a piece of bone come out of his neck and it will quite while until he can sit up, their Chaplain is inept and just joined for the money, more detrimental information about the Chaplain. Tuttle letter describes the beginning of the Battle of the Wilderness which began on May 5th, 1864. Well written....................$195.00

3082 - THERE WERE PRETTY GIRLS THERE AND I HAD A GOOD TIME THERE HAD ALL THE SKINER I WANTED, Scottsboro, Alabama, 1st Ohio Infantry, January 15th, 1864. Charles Cummer writes to a friend...Want some postage stamps sent as he had sent the friend $20 in the mail...I wish you would send as I am pretty well out...I sent you by Lt. Price $10 when he went on furlough...heard his Mother was doing poorly...the papers say it has been cold up there but it has been pleasant here, we have good quarters and live like cocks...WAS OUT ON PICKET THE OTHER DAY AND WAS SENT TO A HOUSE TO SAFE GUARD IT AND THERE WERE TWO PRETTY GIRLS THERE AND YOU HAD BETTER BELIEVE I HAD A GOOD TIME THERE...ALL THE SKINER I WANTED...Cummer signs the letter W. C. Cummer but in actuality the writer is Charles Cummer. A unusual sexual term for having sex with two loved starved Southern girls. Very rare content in a Civil War letter........................................................$165.00

3083 - SOLDIER DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE BURIAL OF HIS SISTER AT HOME, Scottsboro, Alabama, March 6th, 1864, Charles Cummer, 1st Ohio Infantry. He writes home...have been some engagements but none of us were hurt, have not drawn pay for three months, advises his friend Monroe to join the artillery if he ever joins the army, you have no load to carry, ride most of the time, and you stand off away from the fight. Got a letter from Frank Ceeters the other day and he wanted me to pay for the burial expenses of my sister and I don't think I can afford to pay for it...I think he ought to pay for it himself [his brother -in-law]...worries about his Father's health, will he live long? If he needs money he will help...he signs the letter W. C. Cummer but he is actually Charles Cummer....................$75.00

3084 - CAMP FORSYTH, MO, LOOKED FOR REBELS IN ARKANSAS, SEARCHED A CAVE FOR A REBEL WITH A CANDLE, April 11th, 1863. 4 page letter in ink by D. C. Leming. He writes in part...We went on a foraging trip that lasted three days. We went into Arkansas and got plenty of corn but no Rebels...where we got our loads [corn] we questioned a little boy about his Dad...he said he could not find his Pap...laid out in a turnip patch all night. The boy said his Pap went into a cave and if we went in he would shoot us...I went into the house and asked the woman for a candle and with a board made a torch and got some of the boys and made for the cave. I put a fresh cap on my gun, lit his candle, and started for the cave. I went in to the end of it and could not find anyone's Pap. All I saw was lizards, snakes, and got my britches wet. We have more troops here now, the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, 9th Wisconsin Infantry, and the 96th Ohio Battery. There is a rumor here we are going to Rolla. If we do we will be closer to home. Tent caved in due to the rain, catching a lot of fish with the hooks sent. Much more on the situation in camp. This soldier is obviously from Missouri as he states Rolla will be near home. Army records do not list a D. C. Leming but list several other Lemings in the 4th Missouri SM Cavalry. Either records show him by another name or his name was omitted from the records on file. Nevertheless worth further investigation and definitely a Missouri Union soldier............................................$85.00

3085 - WE ARE MOVING ONE OF THE HUGE REB GUNS NAMED THE LITTLE FELLOW, FORT DARLING, VA, June 6th, 1865. 3 page letter from Martin C. Bennett, 1st New York Engineers. He relates in part...I was on police guard around the camp when Company H with 16 horses went after what we call the "Little Fellow" which is one of the Rebels big guns. It weighs 21,745 pounds and they got stuck with it and could not get along so they are going after it again today...have plenty of ice, cherries, and mulberries the later at 25 cents per quart. An interesting letter detailing the removal the Confederate battery at Fort Darling by the Union forces. The only obstacle that protected Richmond from a river approach was Fort Darling on Drewry's Bluff, overlooking a sharp bend on the river 7 mi (11 km) down river from the city. The Confederate defenders, including marines, sailors, and soldiers, were supervised by Navy Cmdr. Ebenezer Farrand and by Army Capt. Augustus H. Drewry (the owner of the property that bore his name) of the Southside Heavy Artillery. [2] The eight cannons in the fort, including field artillery pieces and five naval guns, some salvaged from the Virginia, commanded the river for miles in both directions. Guns from CSS Patrick Henry, including an 8 in. (200 mm) smoothbore, were just upriver and sharpshooters gathered on the riverbanks. An underwater obstruction of sunken steamers, pilings, debris, and other vessels connected by chains was placed just below the bluff, making it difficult for vessels to maneuver in the narrow river........................................................$79.50

3086 - 77TH NEW YORK, THE MUD MARCH NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, JANUARY 1863, Two large pages in ink by Albert S. Green, Company K, 77th NY, Camp near Fredericksburg, VA, January 25th, 1863. He writes in part...We received orders to march on the morning of the 20th and we started out with baggage and marched about 14 miles that brought us about 10 miles above Fredericksburg. That night it commenced to rain. We were then about 1 1/2 miles from the river, they started the pontoons and the artillery the next morning but they soon got stuck in the mud. We worked with men, mules, and horses for two days, we got up with the artillery but abandoned the pontoons, and we reached our own camp again on the 23rd. That is the main body, some of them did not get in until last night...Some died on the road...It is such a hard sight to see men, mules, and horses dragged out by the side of the road dead and dying. There is no mercy here for men or beast. What the next move will be, I do not know. I am tired of this, are there any signs of this infernal war being settled? They know [Confederates] every move we make in time to get fortified before we can get to them, Albert S. Green. "The auspicious moment seems to have arrived to strike a great and mortal blow to the rebellion, and to gain that decisive victory which is due to the country." So announced Gen. Ambrose Burnside to his Union Army of the Potomac on the morning of January 20, 1863, as he started out on another great drive to beat Gen. Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and capture the Rebel capitol of Richmond, VA. Burnside's battered soldiers had, but five weeks to recover from their disastrous defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg, but the government demanded action. The Union and Confederate armies still faced each other across the Rappahannock River at Fredricksburg, and Burnside's plan was to quickly cross the river above Lee's left and assail that flank of the Confederate position. The Union soldiers and their great wagon trains of pontoon boats, artillery, and supplies made a good start clearing their camp and moving up the river. Then the sky started clouding, and by mid-afternoon a slow drizzle had began. By nightfall a steady, relentless rain was falling, not to stop for days. The next morning the great mule-drawn wagons carrying the pontoons churned the road into a quagmire. The wagons sank to their hubs; the artillery sank until only the muzzles were out of the mud. The exhausted horses floundered, as did the men, as each slippery step through the ooze sucked at their shoes and weighed them down. "The whole country was a river of mud," wrote one soldier. "The roads were rivers of deep mire, and the heavy rain had made the ground a vast mortar bed." Whole regiments and triple teams of mules hitched to the wagons and guns failed to move them. Still the rain came down in torrents. By noon, the next day, Burnside's plans to maneuver past Lee's Rebel army were hopelessly stalled, and his own army was exhausted, wet, and cold. Burnside had no choice but to abandon the movement and order his soldiers back to their camps across from Fredericksburg....................................$195.00

3087 - CHASING BRAGG IN TENNESSEE, SALUTE OF THE GUNS FOR GETTYSBURG AND VICKSBURG, DEAD SOLDIERS HAND STICK OUT OF THE GROUND, 4 pages in ink by Benjamin Hurd, Company G, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Negley's Division, Decherd, Tennessee, July 9th, 1863. He relates to his brother...We have been chasing Bragg ever since we left Murfreesboro and it has been a fighting chase. We have hung to his rear, not his rear, the rear of his army. We are camped in this place it is about 25 miles from Tullahoma...When we left Murfreesboro we thought we were going to have a big fight at Tullahoma, but old Bragg ran as usual. He left siege guns and lots of camp equipment. We are waiting for the supply train to come up and we will start again. Our cavalry and mounted and infantry are on the go now. We have lived off the countryside for about a week got chickens, pigs, etc. Yesterday we fired salutes [our division] we got 18 guns and they kept on firing for two hours for the Army of the Potomac and Vicksburg [recent Gettysburg/ Vicksburg victories]. You will hear stirring times from the Army of the Cumberland in a short time when we get Bragg at Chattanooga...I think if we get more victories that place will follow...the 123[indistinct] did lose a good many but that is nothing in our time...YOU CAN'T GO HALF A MILE WITHOUT SEEING SOME FELLOW HAND STICKING ABOVE THE GROUND...In December Bragg fought an inconclusive battle at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the Battle of Stone's River, but once again withdrew his army. In 1863, he fought a series of battles against Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans and the Union Army of the Cumberland. In June, he was outmaneuvered in the Tullahoma Campaign and retreated into Chattanooga. In September, he was forced to evacuate Chattanooga, but counterattacked Rosecrans and defeated him at the Battle of Chickamauga, the bloodiest battle in the Western Theater, and the only major Confederate victory. In November, Bragg's army was defeated in turn by Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in the Battles for Chattanooga............................................................................$165.00

3091 - A SOLDIER WRITES HIS WIFE ABOUT SEXUAL ENJOYMENT THAT THEY BOTH MISS, Camp Cloud, VA, February 18th, 1863. 4 large pages in ink by Pvt. Hiram Tweed, Company A, 144th NY. He relates in part to her...My own dear loved one, I love you more and more the longer I am away from you, I yearn for your loving embrace and caress to make us both feel and enjoy our mutual loving desires. Depending where I may go I may consent for you to come to me...If you can I want to see and feel your great sexual enjoyments. You write of such amorous pure loving desires which I think is a credit to a virtuous loving wife than to one who professes or pretends to dislike and takes a disgust of the pleasures of connubial bliss for we are of one flesh and we are to please one another. I desire you and no other one hear [apparently there have been rumors about his faithfulness], is positive of both their marital loyalty while they are away from one another...more on the war, those who are not patriotic, more...Hiram [Tweed]. Quite an unusual letter concerning a situation that was not all uncommon during the War. The loss of sex and the fear of martial indiscretions while spouses are away. Rare content, well written...........................................$195.00

3092 - SOLDIER WIVES CAPTURED BY THE REBELS, Beverly, VA, July 9th, 1863. 3 pages in ink by Pvt. S. C. Morrison to his wife, 17th Connecticut. He relates in part...his wife may visit him, if she arrives in Beverly he may be off at Greenbriar or in some fight, more than likely you will be captured on the way...two of the soldiers wives were captured the other day. They came to see their husbands and were surrounded by the Rebels and could not come in and were taken off. We have had some fighting here for some time. A very unusual letter mentioning soldier's wives being captured by the Confederates.....................................$100.00

3094 - SOLDIER ARRESTED FOR RAPING A 70 YEAR OLD WOMAN, THEY TRIED A BALLOON ASCENSION BUT TOO WINDY, Camp near Falmouth, VA, January 4th, 1863, 12 pages in ink, 10th New Hampshire, J.C. Richardson, comes with stamped cover, to his wife...he chastises his officers for not caring about their soldiers, he is sending his violin. Thomas Sullivan was arrested for two months for the rap of a 70 year old woman. The court martial runs current and he is sent home in disgrace, mentions his times on picket, men are dying in the regiment of illness...mentions that they tried a balloon ascension that morning and an attempt yesterday but it was too windy and proved a failure, much more. J.C. Richardson...Records show that Thomas Sullivan was dishonorably discharged in December 1863 for his rape of the woman mentioned in the letter. A rare letter mentioning soldier rape during the Civil War.....................................................$225.00

3064 - PROSTITUTES AT WORK IN BALTIMORE TAKING CARE OF THE SOLDIERS, Fort Marshall, Baltimore, MD, February 7th, 1886. Four pages in ink on colored patriotic stationary, red/blue stars...written to his friend Michael Hammons from J. M. Boller, 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery. He relates in part...Things are fine here and hopes are well in Indiana...we have spunky times here, I seldom have to drill, the only duty we have is guard duty and that is once in 10 days...we have time to ramble around town and enjoy ourselves...you may guess how a fellow of my turn would enjoy himself when there are plenty of pretty women about. Baltimore is full of "patriotic young ladies" who devote their entire time to gratify the passions of the soldiers...We are permitted to go into the city every few nights when we have the pleasure to pay our patriotic friends a visit. But I leave you to judge our enjoyment...he describes Baltimore and Fort Marshall with 6 guns and three magazines. Tell the girls that I have forgotten them...had a fight with another soldier...a rare accounting of prostitution in Baltimore which like Washington and Nashville was a hot bed for the "Ladies of the night" during the War. Light stains, otherwise fine and boldly written...The word "hooker" predates the Civil War, but became popularized by Union General Joseph Hooker. After the outbreak of war, the number of brothels in nearby Alexandria, Virginia. A newspaper estimated there were 5000 public women in the District and another 2500 in Alexandria and Georgetown, bringing the total to 7500 by the war's third year "However, it was the towns located just outside the camps where prostitution was most prominent. These small towns were overrun by the sex trade when army troops set up nearby camps. One soldier wrote home to his wife, "It is said that one house in every ten is a bawdy house -- it is a perfect Sodom." Extremely rare content.......................................$295.00

3066 - I MADE YOU A RING FROM A FEET BONE OF A SOLDIER, Headquarters 19th Rgt. [Conn.] also 2nd Ct. Heavy Artillery, Alexandria, VA, December 28th, 1862, William H. Thompson, Company H. 4 pages in ink, patriotic stationary of winged victory. He relates to "Beloved friend" in part...He has been on guard for 24 hours, many sick, 400 on the sick list, two of the best men are gone forever...the rumors are that they will join Siegel and they will be relieved by the 2yth Michigan. His Colonel Wessels is still in the hospital, they have been under the command of General Heintzelman [defenses of Washington]...he has made a ring for her that came from a soldier. It was an old feet bone that I split with my axe and made a hole in it with my bayonet and finished it with my pocket knife...by wearing it, it will glow bright...heavy cannonading from the direction of Centerville, a telegraph just came in that the Rebels were fighting Siegel...Bill Thompson...Real unusual content mentioning making a ring out of human bone. Considering the mores of the day it was probably a Confederate unburied soldier that the bone came from as there were several battlefields near Washington by that date. Rare content, some stains at edge, strong black ink manuscript..........................................$169.00

3067 - AN ACCOUNT OF THE WILSON-KAUTZ, RAID NEAR PETERSBURG, JUNE 1864, 1ST MAINE CAVALRY, Camp near Jones Landing, VA, June 28th, 1864. 4 large pages in bold pencil to his Mother by Elbridge M. Hanson, Company L, 1st Maine Cavalry...We have moved our camp about three miles near Negro quarters on a plantation. There are Negroes left but the owner is prison at Fortress Monroe where he was taken a few weeks prior. To avoid the Rebels getting the wheat crop this year I suppose we will have to destroy it as the government cannot cut it. The government destroyed a large corn crop already. I guess you have heard of the account of Kautz's Cavalry on the advance on Petersburg. Our regiment is in his division and with 5000 infantry and two batteries made the first advance. At midnight, they commenced crossing the pontoon bridge across the Appomattox River just below us and after an advance of about two miles met the Rebels who opened up on our regiment as usual being in the advance. They had some pretty severe skirmishing driving the Rebels before them all day, and the next day the infantry drove them into the entrenchments near Petersburg and a severe battle commenced within a short distance of us. I climbed up on a forage wagon and could see all of the shells bursting in our ranks and the men fall and the musketry sounded like whole bunches of snapping crackers on the 4th of July for about two hours. I moved back into the woods and a shell came in snapping off the top of trees...later our brigade started across the Appomattox and have not heard from them since...the rumors is they will be sent to Elizabeth City, NC...still have some companies on hand and the band near Petersburg...describes the beautiful plantation house, women, and children said all others were gone...we saw three Rebels near the house but did not try to capture them, members of Company A captured a gray backs, several of the 11th PA, were captured by guerillas. On June 22, 5000 Union cavalry and 16 artillery pieces were pulled from the siege of Petersburg and sent, under the command of Brig. Gen. James H. Wilson and August V. Kautz, to destroy the lines of supply the Wilson-Kautz Raid was a cavalry operation in south central Virginia in late June 1864. Occurring early in the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign, the raid was conducted by Union cavalry under Brigadier General James Wilson and August Kautz, who were ordered cut railroads between Lynchburg, VA and the vital Confederate rail supply center at Petersburg. While the raid had the intended effect of disrupting Confederate rail communications for several weeks, the raiding force lost much of its artillery, all of its supply train, and almost a third of the original force, mostly to Confederate capture..............................................$325.00

3068 - A DESERTER IS SHOT AND SAYS HE DOES NOT GIVE A DAMN, LINCOLN REVIEWING THE TROOPS, Falmouth, VA, May 23rd, 1862. 4 pages in ink to his brother by E. L. Johnson. He relates in part..."asks his brother to refrain in using profane language in future letters, we were on review as President Lincoln was here, General Shields came down with 18,000 men and we have a very large force here with the Rebels within miles of them, they shot two of our men who were on guard last night. I go within 600 yards of them as I carry dispatches and orders, there has been a court martial here and a man is to be shot...HE SAYS HE DOES NOT CARE A DAMN...He was a deserter...does not fear any Rebel who had trod Virginia, he believes God is with me...Well written....................................................................$175.00

3069 - THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, CONFEDERATE DEFENSES DESCRIBED, CANNOT ATTACK AGAINST THE BREASTWORKS, February 12th, 1864, 6th Maine Battery, Henry F. Howard, 6th Maine Light Infantry, plus pages in ink. Howard writes at the beginning of the Petersburg siege...it is very cold, the wind has blown hard, I was on guard duty last night and it was not very pleasant...the boys have gone to the meeting [religious meeting] about a mile away in a log house...we will be on the move very soon and will make the Johnnies get up and go...there are a great number of deserters coming in every dark night...Petersburg can never be taken by assault but we must flank them. All in front of their works is a stockade built of poles that have been driven into the ground and made sharp at one end as they are driven in slanting to about four feet from the ground. They are put in solid and it would be difficult to pull them out under fire...Howard gives a good description of the stockade stakes placed before the breastworks at Petersburg, well written.................$145.00

3070 - AN OFFICER AT VICKSBURG INFORMS A WOMAN THAT HER FRIEND IS ALIVE, ALTHOUGH WOUNDED, AND WAS SENT TO A HOSPITAL IN INDIANA, Vicksburg, MS, June 21st, 1863. One plus large page letter in ink by Captain W. O. Watson, Co. A., 8th Indiana Volunteers to Miss Jennie Hopkins. He relates in part...Your friend Whitman [Alfred] was severely wounded but his wounds will not result in his death. He describes Albert Whitman in glowing terms as being well thought of in his company. The Captain states that Whitman was sent to a Army hospital in Evansville, IN. Watson, who wrote the letter, was later killed in action at Cedar Creek in 1864. Whitman's records show he was wounded at Vicksburg on May 22nd, 1863 and died at the Evansville, IN hospital on July 26th, 1863. At 10:00 AM on May 22, 1863, brigades from three corps of Grant's army assaulted the city. A long bitter struggle took place and although the assault showed some success at first, the Confederates quickly restored their original lines of defense. The Union army suffered 3,199 casualties, while Pemberton's forces lost less than 500 men. Alfred Whitman was severely wounded on this initial attach on May 22nd, 1863.............................................$100.00

3071 - A RARE POW LETTER FROM COLUMBIA, SC, CASTLE SORGHUM, LT. FRANK STEVENS, 190TH PA CAPTURED AT MALVERN HILL, 8" X 10", letter to his Father on crude "Confederate brown lined paper" by Lt. Frank Stevens, datelined at Columbia, SC, October 16th, 1864. He writes in beautiful manuscript...notes he had written his last letter from Charleston on September 28th [en route from Macon to Columbia]...asks his father for a strong box with specific clothing to be sent to him....boots, pants, hat, shirts, a good pocket knife, a tin plate...also wants $10 in gold to be sent to him by express mail...letters must be confined to private matters, his address to and items to be sent to: Lt. Frank Stevens, Prisoner of War, Columbia, SC in care of Maj. General Foster...A very rare POW letter from a Confederate prison in Columbia, SC known as Castle Sorghum. The box address included Foster's name probably as a aid to getting it there safely as Foster was in command of Union forces. Lt. Frank D. Stevens was a POW twice, once at Gaines Mill 6/27/62, he was released and wounded at Fredericksburg, and again a POW at Malvern Hill 6/13/64. He was sent to Macon, GA and then to Columbia, SC. He saw service in the 41st PA as well as the 190th PA Castle Sorghum was a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp established in 1862 in Columbia. The transportation of large numbers of Union officers to Columbia occurred after Gen. William T. Sherman's Army of the West penetrated deeply into adjacent Georgia and numerous military prisons there were hurriedly evacuated, with their inhabitants transferred to Charleston, South Carolina. On 29 September, Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones decided to transfer the accumulated Federal officers, estimated at 1,400 (some estimates range as high as 1,700), from Charleston to Columbia, escorted by the 32nd Georgia Volunteers and 1 or more companies of the 8th Battalion, South Carolina Senior Reserves. The train ride afforded another opportunity to escape, which many did. It consisted of a 5-acre (20,000 m2) tract of open field, without walls, fences, buildings or any other facilities. A "deadline" was established by laying wood planks 10 feet (3.0 m) inside the camp's boundaries. The rations consisted of cornmeal and sorghum molasses as the main staple in the diet, thus the camp became known as "Camp Sorghum". Due to the lack of any security features, escapes were common. Conditions were terrible, with little food, clothing or medicine, and disease claimed a number of lives among both the prisoners and their guards. Due to the scarcity of supplies for prisoners the military in command there obviously were lenient of what was allowed to be sent to the soldiers. Letters from Confederate POW camps are extremely rare especially from the Deep South camps. Near MINT condition.........................................................$395.00

3072 - AN IOWA SURGEON AT VICKSBURG WRITES ABOUT AN USELESS OFFICER, DESCRIBES THE OFFICERS OF THE 22ND IOWA, 6 large pages in ink by Surgeon William H. White of the 22nd Iowa Infantry, Hospital 14th Division, 13th Army Corps to a member of the Governor's Staff. He relates in part on June 8th, 1863 at Vicksburg...He is extremely upset that the Governor while on a visit there did not stop and see the sick boys in the hospital, he feels the Governor did not get good information [on visiting the hospital]. He describes a Major Atherton of the regiment as a coward when he has been called to face the enemy. He describes him as a liar and a dirty dog...his passions control him and is looked with contempt by everyone in the regiment...his only friend is Captain Ault of Company C and he too is hated...Atherton may resign, he mentions many brave men who could take his place...Captain Crowe served well at Port Gibson, another good prospect was Captain Streaker but many have lost confidence in him after the fight at Black River. He goes in detail by company as to the strength of the officer. He continues in a long PS page stating he heard that Major Atherton's discharge was not accepted [by the Governor] but the Brig. General commanding the brigade stated that if he got his hands on the resignation endorse it and force it through...well written in bold ink script, many, many more details...................................................$165.00

3073 - SCARCE 69TH NEW YORK ENLISTMENT BOUNTY PAYMENT FOR A SOLDIER WHO DESERT AT PETERSBURG, 5" X 7.5" pink imprinted certificate paying $10 to Benjamin Craig as a new recruit in the service of the United States dated April 15th, 1864. Benjamin enlisted April 16th, 1864 in New York City and deserted at Petersburg February 3rd, 1865. In mint condition. Following Gettysburg, the Irish Brigade ceased to exist as a functioning unit and was disbanded in June 1864. The depleted ranks of the 69th Regiment were filled with new volunteers and draftees from New York's Irish ghettoes. At the end of the summer of 1864, the 69th rejoined its Irish comrades as 1st Regiment of the 2nd Irish Brigade. The brigade served until the end of the war and was present at the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox. Out of more than 2,000 regiments that served with the Union Army, the 69th last more men than all but six regiments. Quite a scarce and desirable regiment.....................$79.00

3074 - CIVIL WAR US ARMY BEAUTIFUL ALLOTMENT CHECK, unissued 3.5" X 7.5", vignette of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and a vignette of Miss Liberty holding a large flag, all on an attractive green background, 186, "Assistant Treasurer of the United States" New York, only have one. MINT condition.........................................$45.00

3041 - ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER WRITING FROM THE STEAMBOAT ILLINOIS, M. C. HUTCHINSON 34TH IOWA WRITES ON THE WAY TO ARKANSAS, 4 pages in ink to his sister, November 11th, 1864 by Pvt. M. C. Hutchinson, Company F, 34th Iowa. He relates in part on his steamboat trip...could not write for lack of mail service, left Morganza [above Baton Rouge, LA] and are 50 miles from the mouth of the White River...bad weather, rain, may go to Memphis, the boat is very crowded with three regiments aboard. The boat has landed to repair some of the works on the N. W. THOMAS [steamboat]...we have landed on the Arkansas shore, hopes to be out within a year and get home...excuse the bad writing for I am writing with my paper on my knee and the movement of the boat makes quite a jarring. More details on the typed transcript. Hutchinson was killed on April 9th, 1865 at the battle of Fort Blakely, Alabama during the advance on Mobile. Comes with a postal cover with the stamp removed postmarked Cairo [Ill]. Fall Duty of the 34th Iowa in 1864...Fall & Spring 1864 - 65, Duty of the 34th Iowa. MOVED TO MORGANZA AUGUST 7 - 11. DUTY THERE AND AT MOUTH OF WHITE RIVER, AR, TILL JANUARY 25, 1865. EXPEDITION TO MORGAN'S FERRY DECEMBER 13 - 14, 1864. MOVED TO NEW ORLEANS, LA JANUARY 25, 1865; THENCE TO BARRANCAS, FL, JANUARY 26 - 28, AND TO PENSACOLA, FL, MARCH 11, MARCH TO FORT BLAKELY, AL, MARCH 20 - APRIL 2. OCCUPATION OF CANOE STATION MARCH 27. SIEGE OF FORT BLAKELY APRIL 2 - 9. CAPTURE OF FORT BLAKELY APRIL 9. DUTY AT MOBILE. HUTCHINSON DIED THE LAST DAY OF THE FORT BLAKELY ATTACK THE DAY THE FORT FELL........................................................................$85.00

3031 - THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO DIE HERE, GUARD SHOT A DESERTER TRYING TO ESCAPE, REBS SHOOT OUT MEN ON THE PARAPETS, May 6th, 1863. 4 pages in ink to Courtney [his wife] by Lewis Sims, 89th Indiana Infantry, Company G, later Captain 12/14/64, Fort Pickering, TN. He relates in part...I think that the Rebels are giving way on all sides...we have seen so many dead men that we have gotten used to it and do not fear death and there are many ways for a man to lose his life here...some die in the hospital, some get drowned, some get shot. There was one man taken out of the river today, another prisoner and a deserter tried to get away and the guard shot him dead. Several of our men have been shot off the parapet since we have been here by the enemy while standing guard. There are some deserters here wearing a ball and chain. A good newsy letter describing the many ways a soldier could lose his life, comes with a letter to Sims from his wife, and a letter from friends back home on patriotic stationary talking about traitors at home with a cover addressed to Sims at Nashville. Three letters and cover...................................................$125.00

3032 - SOME OF THE BOYS GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH THE BUTTERNUTS, SERGT. DAILY SHOT ONE THROUGH THE BOWELS A BULLET BOUNCED OFF HIS HEAD, 4 page letter in ink from Captain Lewis Sims, 89th Indiana to his wife Courtney, September 22nd, 1863. He relates in part...We are still in the fort but are awaiting marching orders and may go to Texas or Chattanooga, probably Texas...will send you some magnolia seeds to plant...some of the boys in the regiment got into a fight with the Butternuts and took some Butternut pins off them. There were 200 of the Butternuts pitched for a fight and only seven soldiers. They got Sergt. Daily separated from the others. Got him down and were beating him and were shooting at him when the others came up and commenced shooting and soon scattered them. Daily got up, one fellow drew his revolver to shoot him, and Daily drew his and they both fired and the Butternut fell shot through the bowels. At the same time, a fellow ran up behind Daily and out a pistol to his head and fired but the bullet glanced upward and did little harm but knocked him down, he soon got up and made at them again, but this was the old soldier that got hurt while the others had 20-30 wounded. They cleaned them out completely. I will quit as I have no good wife to sleep with...A great account of a hand to hand encounter in Tennessee. Sims ends the letter "I will quit as I have no good wife to sleep with." We will include a copy of another Sims letter with his signature to go along with his great letter. Also included is a letter to Sims from his wife with a cover addressed to Sims at via New Orleans. Three items....................................................$195.00

3035 - A BULLET WENT THROUGH A TIN CUP HOOKED ON MY HAVERSACK, Fredericksburg, VA from a Washington Hospital Ward, May 25th, 1864. Three pages in ink with stamped cover, John Marsh 99th PA. He writes to his wife, in part...Have just got up and the city clock has struck one, the men are all asleep now...have 18 men in the room, some wounded bad, some slight but all need attention. I thank the Lord that my life has been spared as I have been where the bullets have whistled past my head in great numbers and men fell dead on both sides of me and than there was a bullet that went through my tin cup that was fastened to my haversack...mentioned another soldier who was severely wounded and took no whiskey...men are coming into this place by boat and car. The boats run up to this place and the cars have been running for two days. The worst cases [wounded] are brought up on boats and the others on cars. It may not be safe for you to write me [a small section cut out possibly censored], excellent content with a real nice cover. Marsh was later to die in the assault at Petersburg - the wounded soldiers Marsh mentions were probably wounded at Spotsylvania..............................................................$175.00

3036 - A CONFEDERATE SHARPSHOOTER SHOOTS A SOLDIER ON A MORTAR AT PETERSBURG, Battery #5, November 30th, 1864. 4 pages in ink to his cousin by C. W. Smith near Petersburg, VA. He relates in part...am in my tent tonight writing his letter, there has been considerable moving the Army for the past 3 days and there is favorable opinion that here will be another battle soon if the weather is favorable. I have never heard a night so quiet and that is a sure sign that the armies are preparing for battle. I asked the movements in Georgia and they implied that he and his whole army could go to hell. Just as I finished your letter an Orderly came into my tent and told me a man had been shot. I went up the battery and a man lay who had been working in the battery where the mortar was that I was firing at the Rebels. He had been shot through the body and did not live long. It was probably done as the result of us killing one of their men when we were firing. Yet it was cold-blooded murder as he was standing on the parapet talking with other men when they shot him...I will go out and talk with the Johnnies before I retire...An excellent letter showing the danger along the Petersburg lines as well as the friendly communications between Federals and Confederates at times.........................$175.00

3037 - THE BATTLES AT GARNETTS AND GOLDING FARM AND SAVAGE STATION, VA, THE SHOT AND SHELL TORE UP THE EARTH AND TREES, OUR BATTERIES MOWED THEM DOWN LIKE SCYTHES, 4 pages in bold pencil with a stamped cover with OLD POINT CONFORT CDS, Orville "Tom" Dewey, 49th NYV in camp near City Point, July 4th, 1862. He relates to his Father in part...Last Saturday [June 28th] while we were at Camp Lincoln near New Bridge [VA], the Rebels shelled us for two hours killing one and wounding four in the 49th, we lay in our rifle pits or they would have cut us up terribly. Under the cover of the artillery, they tried to throw a regiment on us, if fact they got possession of a little breastwork in our front that had been set up to protect our artillerymen. We then opened up on them with shells from "Matt's" Battery and the men of the 33rd NY in our Brigade. In about 10 minutes, we killed 50-60 and wounded about a 100 taking about 30 prisoners. Captain Thad Hamilton was taken; he is the son of Dr. Hamilton of Buffalo and a regular fighter. One of the Rebels said he killed four of them with his revolver before he was taken. Early Sunday morning we retreated through Savage Station when we heard firing from our rear. We hurried back and fought a terrific fight going on. We were immediately ordered into it and away we went. We took the left before we could get to the Rebels they skedaddled...then we burned the bridge that covered the swamp and then we laid in wait for the Rebels who soon made their appearance and commenced such shelling that I have never seen before. Matt's Battery attempted to silence the rebel guns but they were too many for them...their shot and shell tore up the earth and trees...while his battery stood dismounted, one of the pieces killed his horses and men but as usual he stood up until he was able to get his guns off. Then we all fell back in the woods about a half mile, there we formed in line and gave the Rebels fits until night. Our batteries mowed them down like scythes. The roads were so soft it was impossible to drag ourselves through the mud with was from 6" - 18" deep...Orville [Dewey]...The Battle of Savage's Station took place on June 29, 1862, in Henrico County, VA as fourth of the Seven Days Battles (Peninsula Campaign) of the American Civil War. The main body of the Union Army of the Potomac began a general withdrawal toward the James River. Confederate Brig. Gen. John B. Magruder pursued along the railroad and the Williamsburg Road and struck Maj. Gen. Edwin Vose Sumner's II Corps (the Union rearguard) with three brigades near Savage's Station, while Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's divisions were stalled north of the Chickahominy River. Union forces continued to withdraw across White Oak Swamp, abandoning supplies and more than 2,500 wounded soldiers in a field hospital. The account Dewey writes puts the engagements he describes to be on the 28th near Garnetts and Golding's Farm and Savage Station on the 29th of June. The swamp he describes probably is White Oak Swamp [Battle occurred there June 30th]. The cover is addressed to Mrs. William McLean at Buffalo who may have been a friend of his Father. A wonderful series of battle accounts of action during the 7 Day Battles near Richmond..........................................$450.00

2140 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. August 6th, 1863, Pottsville, PA two pages ALS letter in ink with a stamped cover addressed to his wife. He relates to his wife to travel to Pottsville by train as he is in comfortable quarters, tells her to bring her riding skirt as he has a splendid black horse. Whipple is on temporary duty there before being assigned to duty with General Thomas in Tennessee. Well written.................................$175.00

2141 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Pottsville, PA October 5th, 1863 one page letter in bold pencil to his wife while on temporary assignment and includes a stamped cover to her...he relates in part, I have received a dispatch ordering me to Rosecrans' Army without delay and I intend on leaving tomorrow and will stay at Norristown but my stay there will be brief as I must hurry to Chattanooga. I hope we will be victorious in the next battle. W. D. Whipple.................$175.00

2142 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Cincinnati, October 28th, 1863, 4 pages in ink with a stamped cover addressed to Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple, he relates in part...I have received orders to go to General Thomas at the Army of the Cumberland - now all our plans for living together are frustrated...General Rosecrans had a grand reception for him here in Cincinnati. He has many friends throughout the western portion of Ohio. I would have been pleased to be assigned with him had he been given the command. He laments the time he will be away from his family on this new assignment. Letter comes with a stamped cover, as well as the telegram he received confirming his assignment to General Thomas' Staff. 3 pieces well written................$295.00

2143 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Chattanooga, TN, December 25th and December 27th, 1863, 4 pages in ink with stamped cover addressed to Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple...he relates in part...I stayed in my office today until 1 and then mounted my horse and rode to Rossville and had dinner at Watkins House...the men burned powder [shooting off their guns] at the joy of Christmas...Dec. 27th...The southern winter has set in and the river has risen bringing debris on our pontoon boats and the poor mules cannot haul the wagons through the muck. We should consider ourselves stuck for the spring as mud is everywhere. The regiments are re-enlisting and we must put a large army on the field in the spring to finish the rebellion. It is not true about us evacuation Chattanooga. We never intended to evacuate this place. The Rebels are trying to make themselves believe we are going to do so but at the same time we are building fresh works as the bridge over Running Water on the Memphis and Charleston RR which is 111' high..."W". General Whipple writes from Chattanooga as the Union force under Thomas has settled for the winter at Chattanooga in preparation for  the march towards Atlanta in the spring. Well written.........................................$295.00

2144 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Chattanooga, TN, January 22nd, 1864, 2 page letter in ink to his wife Caroline with a stamped envelope addressed to Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple, he relates in part...I had to put your letter away at the offices as I did not want to let anyone see the tears in my eyes...he goes on to describe his room as a parlor on an floor and continues listing the furniture he has...he arises at 8 AM, breakfast at 9 AM with General Thomas and his two aides Captain Willard and Captain Kellogg...we have a Steward and a colored cook as well as our servants...have beef steak, potatoes, hot cakes for breakfast, at dinner beef soup, vegetables, I tend to work late in my office at retire. Whipple gives a good account of his day in this letter which starts off quite tender as his wife's last letter obviously makes him homesick to tears...................................................$275.00

2145 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Nashville, TN, October 27th, 1864, 4 pages ALS by Whipple to his wife Caroline, comes with a stamped cover addressed to Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple, he relates in part...Whipple gives his wife a description of an entrepreneurial woman about 40 with two memorable daughters presenting applications to him to open a hotel in Chattanooga called "Crutchfield House." She was described as being short and stout on the shortly side of 40. She needed special permission to ship freight on the railroad to ship more than the allowed amount on the railroad as she also wanted to open a store in the hotel to sell wine and liquor. She also wants permission to re-open the "Trout House" in Atlanta which was the finest hotel in Atlanta. He fears that she will not succeed. He wishes he would be free of this miserable war and return to civilization..........................................$265.00

2146 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Nashville, TN, November 6th, 1864, 4 pages in ink to his wife with a stamped cover addressed to Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple, he relates in part to her...Atlanta was to be our headquarters but a change was made due to HOOD'S movements as it made it necessary to move from Atlanta to Chattanooga. What plans are made I cannot write in this letter which may be captured between here and Louisville. Mrs. Thomas left Nashville for Chattanooga. He stays at the St. Cloud Hotel at $4.50 per day and it is miserable, asks for clothing to be sent. "W". After a short stay in Atlanta Thomas' forces are called back to Nashville due to Hood's movements to the Northwest of Atlanta. Well written, letter and stamped cover.....................................................$275.00

2147 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Nashville, TN, November 9th, 1864, 3 pages in ink to his wife Caroline with a stamped cover addressed to Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple, he relates in part...I would bring you here if there was any certainty of me remaining here for the winter but at any time we may be ordered out within 24 hours. You are better remaining where you are than coming here to this uncomfortable and expensive place. A lady I met was offered three rooms in a third story of a house for $1700 per year. It has been raining for several days flooding streams and washing away many trestle bridges and interrupting railroads communication. Of course HOOD cannot move in the mud and we have the advantage as we can concentrate our forces by railroad and steamboat. If HOOD cannot advance we will probably attach him. Well written, comes with stamped cover................................................$275.00

2148 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Chattanooga, TN, January 15th, 1864, 4 pages ALS by Whipple to his wife Caroline with a stamped cover addressed to Mrs. Gen. H. D. Whipple, he relates in part...He is now riding a fine white horse...yesterday we were greeted by the sound of the first locomotive that has arrived since the occupation began. The rails are now opened north and starvation does not stare us in the face now. No one but someone in the army know how much our troops are suffering for lack of food and clothing and as far as our animals are concerned hundreds and hundreds are lying dead and the living are walking skeletons. As I was going to my quarters last night I saw an old horse attempting to make a meal out of pine weather boards of a house. He would gnaw off a few splinters and I could hear him crunch them between his teeth. He is probably dead by this time. We came to the conclusion that the Rebs were starving also and we could hold out. "W". An excellent letter by General Whipple on the state of affairs in Chattanooga during the winter of 1864...........................................$265.00

2149 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Camp near Cassville, GA, May 22nd, 1864, one page in ink to wife Caroline with a stamped cover addressed to Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple...he relates in part...We move at 4 AM in the morning stripped for battle in the words of General Sherman's Order received. I do not know when I will be able to write again. The Rebs, I promise, will attack our communications and may succeed and capture some of our letters. He tells his wife to tell their little daughter that he will come and see her once the battles are over. Whipple writes at the start of the Atlanta Campaign as Chief of Staff to General Thomas. ALS and cover.................................................$275.00

2150 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Camp near Kennesaw Mountain, June 21st, 1864, 2 pages in ink to his wife Caroline, comes with a stamped cover addressed to his wife, ALS he relates in part...The fight goes on seemingly day and night and still the rain pours. Wagons, when they move at all, move at a snails pace. Horses and mules are in the mud constantly. The eternal sound of splash of persons walking through the mud and water is getting tiresome. Everything is getting moldy and boots taken off at night refuse to be put on in the morning. We gained an important point last night and the Rebels during the light tried several times to retake it but failed each time. Their losses must have been heavy in these repulses at least I hope so. My health is still good and I hope we finish off Johnston's Army..."W". General Whipple writes this account just before the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain [June 27th, 1864].....................$295.00

2151 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Nashville, October 24th, 1864, 4 pages in ink to his wife, he relates...I will stay here awhile and return to that fine spot Chattanooga and there to remain for the winter. I visited the ex Post Master Brown's house who were probably first rate Rebs until the arrival of the Union Army. The Rebel General Pillow is a brother of Mrs. Brown. They have a portrait of him as a Major General in the USA hanging in the parlor. Their son is in the Rebel Army on the staff of General Bushrod Johnson. They claim to be Union people and are mortified at the thought of the loss of their crops and timberland fearing that they may be seized by the government as some already has [other citizens in the area]. Their desire to save their property has them being very polite to Union officers and their house is a favorite meeting place of many of them. As Chief of Staff, they overdid their attempt to please me...she said I was so young, handsome, and distinguished. So much flattery arouses suspicion. Mrs. Baird [wife of General Absalon Baird] is living next door and has not seen her husband yet. She came down with Mrs. Sherman [wife of General William Sherman]..."W". As General Thomas' Chief of Staff Whipple was a go between many citizens and Thomas during Thomas' stay in Nashville before he joined Sherman on the march through the Carolinas, well written, comes with stamped cover addressed "Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple" in Whipple's hand.................................................$295.00

2152 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Eastport, AL, January 16th, 1865, two page letter in ink to his wife, he relates in part...On a military steamboat, there are just a couple of buildings laying on the bank of the river with a good many steamers lying at the bank discharging their cargos. Our troops are moving and the wagons are arriving and departing. The gunboats are lying on the eastern and northern bank. We will remain here until the army is completely ready to take the field then away we go again. We have not left the steamer as we cannot find room to encamp our headquarters. Yesterday we went 10 miles up the river to the camp of the cavalry headquarters...gives hopes that the children are well. Signed "W". Comes with a stamped cover addressed to Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple. A fine ALS written in preparation of the march towards Savannah by Sherman...................................................$225.00

2154 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. Eastport, AL, January 21st, 1865, 3 pages in ink, comes with a stamped cover addressed to his wife "Mrs. Gen. W. D. Whipple", he relates in part...I have received your letter of the 21st as it was directed to Chattanooga and I suppose it was cut off by Hood's Rebel Army. We will never return to Chattanooga again as a headquarters so letters to me should be sent to Nashville. The same mail brought another letter from you giving news of the improving health of the children. We are encamped on a hill overlooking the steamboat landing. This is a pretty place with an excellent view of the river, boats, and surrounding country. The town of Eastport consists of only three dwelling houses but before the war there were probably twelve but the war has destroyed some. It is bleak here and uninviting. Our nearest telegraph station is at Johnsville away down the valley. All the steamboats have to be convoyed up and it is a slow process. We can do nothing with any dispatch. I can't imagine why General Thomas remains here unless he wants to avoid the useless gab of the citizens of Nashville. There is a division I could have General Thomas says if I desire it so I told him I would take it. I have many misgivings about leaving my present position of Chief of Staff especially since General Thomas' command has been increased although General Sherman commands his troops. I fear by taking this command I will miss the opportunity to be stationed at Nashville and he won't be able to be with her but if he fails to take the division it will risk promotional opportunity for him..."W". An excellent ALS by Whipple with his full signature on the envelope...........................................$295.00

2153 - GENERAL WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Departments of Pennsylvania and Virginia, Middle Military Department, VIII Corps, and sundry other posts. On November 12, 1863, he became Assistant Quartermaster General of the Army and Department of the Cumberland and the following month was appointed to be George H. Thomas' Chief of Staff. In the latter capacity, he took part in all of the operations of Chattanooga and in the Atlanta Campaign as well as the movements which arrested John Bell Hood's invasion of Tennessee at Franklin and Nashville. TWO SEPARATE ALS BY WHIPPLE WRITTEN ON FEBRUARY 27TH, 1865 WITH THE STAMPED ENVELOPES THAT CARRIED THEM...addressed to MRS. GEN. W. D. WHIPPLE, Letter 1, on Stationary Dept. of the Cumberland, Nashville, TN, February 27th, 1865, 1 page to wife Caroline...he obtained a wardrobe, six curtains, and a large carpet and a dining table. The plumber is at work fixing the hot and cold hydrants...there is already a cook and a chambermaid already here in the house..."W", 2nd letter dated February 27th, 1865 at Nashville, TN to Caroline...I have seen General Donaldson today and he will send a quartermaster over tomorrow who will make furniture for our house - such as can be made in the quartermaster's shop and it will be very good. I think we can have the children here in a short time. Do you rather bring them with you or wait? I am going to send to Cincinnati for a mattress or two...yours "W". Two separate letters and TWO covers addressed in his hand...................................................$295.00

2212 - A SUPERB SIEGE OF VICKSBURG MAP OWNED BY A MEMBER OF SHERMAN'S STAFF AT VICKSBURG TOGETHER WITH HIS SIGNED CARTE DE VISTE, 2 items, [a] Carte de Viste of Lt. Colonel J. H. Hammond, AAG to General William Sherman, 15th Army Corps. Hammond was AAG to Sherman at Shiloh as a Major and served continually on Sherman's Staff through the Vicksburg Campaign and later. He is pictured in the famous photo of Sherman and his staff. This CDV was signed in May 1863 by Hammond as AAG, 15th Army Corps, by Gurney of New York. It is signed on the front and back by Hammond. Hammond is mentioned in many documents as AAG during the siege of Vicksburg while serving Sherman on his Staff. [b] A beautiful manuscript map in black and red pen 6.5" X 7" that was drawn during the late siege period of May-June 1863. There are notations for cleared lands, the famous "Grant canal", notations for breastworks, railroads, and terrain symbols. The map includes the area from Haines Bluff in the north south to Warrenton, with Vicksburg and the adjacent fortifications in the center. The map accompanied the Hammond CDV and while there is no indication that Hammond drew the map, it certainly belonged to him through his retained papers. The map is in exceptional condition with details sharp and colors bright. It had been drawn on a linen map paper which remains remarkably undamaged by staining as many maps seem to have. A great pair of Vicksburg related items, CDV and manuscript map, 2 items included..............................................$995.00

2164 - WE ARE TRYING TO PEN UP OLD LEE, Camp by the roadside near Hagerstown, MD, July 11th, [1863]. 1 large bold pencil letter on blue paper by Austin Fenn, 10th Vermont, mentions a friend near South Mountain, since we left there we have traveled about 12 miles and passed the old Antietam battle ground at night as we are trying to pen up Old Lee. If we don't do it, it will not be the fault of us or our Generals. We have brings a man his appetite. I can take a chuck of fat pork and gnaw it a cat gnawing a chicken. I have seen Nate as he come up just as had a side of pork broiled on the end of a stick. I was glad to see him as his regiment passed and I think he will be home soon. The 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th passed here - mentions several soldiers he knows in those units. We are laying awaiting orders. Mentions Sylvanus Winshih who was killed, will send this letter in an envelope...mentions that a friend states in regard to Negro troops. "The Niggers will fight like the devil he has seen for himself." You never can image the size of this army, you can only see one quarter of it at one time. Comes with a copy of another letter by Fenn to verify authorship...a letter written during the attempt to pursue Lee after the Gettysburg Campaign....................................................$125.00

1290 - A CONFEDERATE OFFICER TAKES THE OATH AND SERVED AS A CAPTAIN IN BUTLER'S RIVER GUARD, Lt. William E. Gordon enlisted as a 3rd Lt. in Company H, Louisiana Confederate Guards Infantry. He was promoted to 1st Lt., Company C, 3rd Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Division Louisiana Militia on October 28th, 1861. He was captured at the surrender of New Orleans in April 1862 and took the Federal Parole and was made a Captain in the "River Guard Police" whose purpose was to stop insurgents in the river and surrounding lake after the Federals under General Benjamin Butler took control of the City. Gordon moved to Baltimore after the War and in 1869 wrote to Benjamin Butler in hopes of Butler aiding him to obtaining a Federal Government position. This archive consists of the following documents [a]. Officer's Commission in the Confederate Service of Louisiana as a 1st Lt. in the Louisiana Confederate Guard Infantry signed by Confederate T.O. Moore, large seal, 16" X 20", [b]. a letter signed by Butler as Major General stating that William E. Gordon was a master of the River Police in New Orleans during our occupation there and was of undoubted loyalty and efficiency...Benj. F. Butler Maj. Genl. [c]. 1866 document 8" X 10" printed and filled in appointing Gordon as a clerk in the appeal court signed by the Mayor of Baltimore John Lee Chapman, [d]. another of the same for the year 1867, two page letter from Gordon to Butler in January 189 requesting Butler's aid in obtaining a job in the Treasury Department referring to his service to Butler in New Orleans during the occupation of the City as Captain of the River Guard giving his qualifications. Butler dockets the verso of the document stating "this man is a good man and true can you not give him a place in the Treasury and obliged...yours truly Benj. Butler". [e]. a letter signed by [f] a franked large envelope signed Benj. F. Butler M.C. mailed to William E. Gordon in Baltimore postmarked Feb. 2 [1869]. The archive contains the rare Confederate officer's commission and three signed items by Benjamin Butler. The commission has some fold restoration on the verso but paper is fresh and clean, other items fine. A rare example of a Confederate officer switching sides and serving for the Federal cause, the grouping [Louisiana Commissions usually sell for $500 alone.]...............................$695.00

1181 - THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, AN ACCOUNT BY A MEMBER OF THE 51ST PA. VOLUNTEERS, 4 page letter in ink with a hand-carried cover home to his sweetheart Miss Vinie Isell in Montgomery County, PA by Jacob Umstead, Company C, 51st PA Volunteers. He relates in part to her...December 5th, 1864...We are encamped at Camp Morton in front of Petersburg...we can see the steeples in Petersburg and a good many houses...our pickets and the Rebels are not more than 50 yards from us. It takes 120 men from our regiment for picket and I am on every other day. We are firing continually; yes one has to keep his head low. Two were wounded last evening relieving pickets. I tell you we fire at each other you would think we were fighting [friendly fire]. We are firing night and day continually and we lay quite close to one another. The Rebels have everything fortified, one line against another all the way to Petersburg. I don't believe we can take it; everything is dug up on the way to Petersburg from their picket line to the town and one fort against the other. If we ever do take it, it will cost thousands of troops and we will loose many good men. They are throwing mortars at each other every day. We have cannons in this fort 16 feet long throw a shell over 4 miles and the shells weigh over 100 pounds. Our fellows threw a shell over the Rebels that burst and threw a man about 30 feet straight upright in the air. I was standing in the fort when it burst, I seen him go, he had his hands outstretched, he looked like he was flying. Two Johnnies deserted from the Rebel lines and came over evening before last, and the evening before one of our men shot his finger off, he was on picket. He went and showed it to the Doctor, it was all black from the powder, flesh burnt with powder...he wound up going over to the Rebels and he was from Pottsville. We are now in a bomb proof so if the Johnnies throw their shells over here we won't get hurt. If you could be here now you would see our artillery throw shells and mortars over to the Johnnies. We can see them digging and working and when our fellows throw a shell amongst them they stop. We lay right in front of Petersburg about a quarter of a mile. From P. Jacob Umstead, Co. C., 51st PA Rgt., 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Army Corps. An excellent Petersburg letter with extensive details...........................................................$295.00

1182 - THE WAR IN MISSOURI, A FLOOD HITS THE REGIMENT, A CONFEDERATE CAPTAIN IS SHOT BY A WOUNDED BOY, Van Buren, MO., January 3rd, 1863. 3 pages in ink by George Wilcox, 37th Illinois, comes with a DUE 3 stamped envelope addressed to his cousin Mary Ann. He relates in part...Our company is guarding a mill [sawmill] we are sawing lumber to make ferries to cross the river as we will take the pontoon bridges up when we leave which will not be soon as we have to dray prisoners. We had camped on the Black River and got nearly drowned by the flood and had to leave the tents at 4 AM in the morning. The water rose 19 feet and we had 8" - 10" of water in our tent and were trapped away from the high land. We tried to make a bridge out of trees but soon sent for the pontoon boats. They ferried us out, some had to climb trees to escape the rising water. The Rebels arrived here and attacked out forage train and took seven teams and wagons with six mule teams. We had 16 men taken and four wounded. We wounded the Rebel Captain and a private, they took off their wounded. The Captain was shot by a wounded boy who was riding by him - picked up his gun and shot him through...the officers care little for their men...most are drunk and carousing about from the Lt. to the General Doctor. A good long Missouri letter with more details, quite scarce............................................$265.00

1183 - A SHARPSHOOTER WRITES TO HIS SWEETHEART AFTER BEING UNDER FIRE, 151st New York, Volunteers, actually two letters, one a letter written in poem form by Jesse Benson, Company A [Independent Rifles] 151st NY Vol. Both stamped covers, one on an attractive patriotic letter sheet VICTORY. 1st Letter postmarked September 5th, 1863, patriotic letter sheet with the heading SHARPSHOOTERS and is a letter in poem form detailing the history of his regiment and their Captain, 2 plus pages in ink. 2nd letter, dated October 18th, 1863, 4 pages in ink he relates in part...On picket on Bull Run Creek, our army has been retreating on march for four days and one day we marched 25 miles. We started near Culpepper and now we are within 18 miles of Washington. When we camped on a high hill, there was some skirmishing and was under fire for a half hour, the shells came close, some were hurt in the regiment. As I am writing this, I can see the Rebel pickets by looking down in the hollow. During the four days we marched I could hear the cannons and musket fire, sometimes were close enough to stop us and we drew up in the line of battle, he hopes the War will come to an honorable end, more on the destruction he has seen. Benson's Company [Company A Independent Rifles was Sharpshooter Company] and he was severely wounded in his right arm a month later at Mine Run and had his arm amputated [November 27th, 1863]. Actually two letters with stamped covers. Scarce Sharpshooter group.....................................$325.00

1184 - BATTLE NEAR DINWIDDIE COURT HOUSE, I WAS CAPTURED AND ESCAPED THE REBELS, September 15th, 1864. 2 large pages in pen by H. Roscoe Brackett of the 16th Maine Infantry. He relates in part to friends at home...We knew that the Johnnies were assing in our front for a charge...we had breastworks and were ready for them and we did not have to wait long as they came in three lines of battle. We repulsed them on our front but they tried to break through on our right and the first thing we knew we were outflanked and the bullets came at us from our rear and we were ordered to fall back and we did but the first thing I knew we were surrounded by about a dozen Rebs. I had run right into their lines as did other men. They made me throw down my gun and bayonet which I did as there were so many I knew it was useless to do otherwise. They told me to go to the rear and I started to run with six other men and they kept singing out for me to halt and I heeded them not and kept on running amidst a shower of minnies and case shot bursting all around me from our own batteries. I kept running to the right with others all the time they were after me and I was only two rods from them. I turned to my right and ran into an open field and saw two lines of battle marching towards the woods and knew in a moment it was our men and finally felt safe from the Rebels...we have received a report that Atlanta is ours. The 16th Maine was involved with skirmishing around Dinwiddie Court House in early September 1864, Brackett had been wounded at Fredericksburg and was promoted to Corporal in 1864 after his return to duty. A great letter describing a narrow escape from the Rebels after being overrun by the Confederates..........................................$295.00

1185 - IN THE DEFENSE OF NEWBERN, NC, WE CAN HEAR THE REBEL BANDS PLAY DIXIE, THE REBS STRIPPED OUR DEAD AND LEFT THEM UNBURIED, February [11 - 13th] 1864. 4 pages in ink with a stamped cover by William D. Jones, 3rd NY Light Artillery, Company C to a fried. He relates in part from New Bern, NC...He describes a Confederate attack the first of February, the Rebels came down on a rush waking us from a peaceful slumber about 3AM in the morning. When it was known that they were coming a detacment of 100 men from the 17th Connecticut and a section of artillery from our regiment was sent out to see what was up and I guess they did for only 60 men returned. The 17th lost 40 men, eight were officers. Battery H of our regiment lost two guns, 36 men, 1 Lieut., 13 horses, and harnesses. The artillery never had a chance to fire. The morning was quite foggy and the first thing they knew they were prisoners. The 17th Connecticut done some fighting as well as the 132nd NY who was doing picket duty out on Bachelors Creek some eight miles from here. They were surrounded early in the morning but were able to escape with the loss of only 150 men. They came into the city on cars. The Rebels fired into them wounding a number. At night, the Rebs were in sight of the fort. We could see their campfires and hear their band play Dixie and the Bonnie Blue Flag. They were not more than three quarter of a mile away. Our boys wanted to give them a shot but our Major would not allow it. The rebels stripped our men and took their clothes and left them unburied but buried their own. The Rebels came down again on Tuesday night. They came down in small boats and took a gun boat and the whole crew. It is said that they were all drunk. The crew tried to get up steam but it was a no go so they set the boat on fire and jumped overboard and most got away. If they had gotten the boat, New Bern would be in their possession. The officers in command of the boat are confined and should be for life...William D. Jones, Battery C, 3rd NY Artillery, New Bern, NC. An excellent, well written letter on a Confederate attack to retake New Bern..............................................$295.00

9100 - BATTLE AT FOY'S PLANTATION, NORTH CAROLINA, Newbern, NC, May 3rd, 1862. 4 pages in ink written by Henry Lamoreaux, Company F, 103rd NYSV, to his brother. He relates in part, "I will tell you about the fight [April 7th], there was a few of us from 4 or 5 companies, our 1st Lt. and two of the boys went 15 miles past our pickets and they first saw the Rebels in the woods by a large plantation. The put into the house and the niggar huts. They tied their horses behind the house and shot out all the windows, our boys behind the fence and trees. They fired a few rounds and then charged them double quick. The first man that went into the yard got five balls through him. He fell dead. The Colonel was shot below the knee. It will go pretty hard on him. 8 Privates were wounded. 1 or 2 have died since. They took 11 prisoners, lots of arms and sabers but only two horses. Lots of them were shot. The rest ran away and we do not know how man Rebels they killed. Quite a number by the looks of the blood. There was a large swamp nearby where they dragged them in. The fight lasted about 20 minutes and then they ran. The darkies told us there was several hundred but two miles away so our boys put back. They would have anyway due to the Colonel being wounded. He describes the area in detail, plantations, crops as they are camped on a cane plantation. Describes the huts of the Negroes, lots of hound dogs, they may go to Kingston or off to Beaufort to hold Fort Macon. A excellent commentary on a bloody skirmish on a North Carolina plantation. The Foy family settled in southeastern North Carolina prior to the American Revolution, and James Foy, Jr., purchased Poplar Grove Plantation at Scott's Hill in 1795. Poplar Grove was owned originally by Cornelius Harnett and his colonial mill site is still visible on the plantation. The present Foy home was built by Joseph Montford Foy around 1850, comes with a nice DUE 3 stamped cover. Another name for this plantation is Poplar Grove which is today on the National Register of Historic homes. Very fine...........................................$325.00

9106 - THE WAR IN LOUISIANA, BATTLE BAYOU BORBEAU AND CARRIN CROW BAYOU, NOVEMBER 1863, Berwick [LA], November 10th, 1863. Large 4 page letter in BOLD pencil from Lt. John M. Follett, Company H, 33rd Illinois to his wife with stamped transmittal cover postmarked NEW ORLEANS. He relates in part, "We are again camped on the Atchafalaya River and we marched from New Iberia Sunday morning and marched the first day to Franklin a distance of 30 miles. We got up Monday at 5 AM and marched another 30 miles to this place. We of the Pioneers are camped on the river and my squad is in good humor. Mentions by name several men of the 77th [Illinois]...I must tell you about a recent battle...The next morning after I wrote you our brigade was called up about 2 AM and marched about three miles on the west side of Iberia. The rumor was that the Rebs were coming with 16,000 men to attack us. Our brigade formed in a battle line, the 2nd brigade was closed in one half on each flank on our line of battle and the 3rd brigade was concealed in the timber. The plan was a cute one if old General Lawles did plan it but the Rebs did not favor us with a call. Instead of pitching into us the Rebs sailed into the 1st brigade of General Burbridge's division. The battle was fought on Carrion crow [Bayou]. General Burbridge had sent out some of his division out foraging and had not more than 1000 men engaged and the Rebs came down on him with 8000 men. They mowed down eight rows deep in front and closed in mass on each flank. Burbridge could not retreat without loss and he told his men that no part of the 13th Corps had been whipped and he said that he would not live to have it said that the 4th division was the first to run and the men cheered him and said they would back him up and they stood surrounded on three sides by gray backs and fought like demons. The rebs overpowered then and took over 400 prisoners and killed 57 men. General McGinnis came up with two brigades and so intent were the Rebs trying to take prisoners that they did not see the reinforcements till they came right up to them and there was hand to hand fighting with sword and bayonet and the Rebs had to skedaddle. They left 149 dead on the field besides over 300 wounded and our men took over 300 prisoners. All this was done in two hours. He concludes this lengthy letter apologizing to his wife for unkind comments he had made in past letters and expresses his love and devotion for her and expresses his sorrow for having lost his temper as he misses her so much. With his numerical advantage, it was no chore for Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin to push the Confederates before him as he moved toward the upper Teche in Louisiana. After occupying the Opelousas vicinity, the Union leader found local bayous too dangerous to cross, too difficult for his troops to forage and rain-drenched roads too muddy to travel. By October 26, he had given up the offensive, retracing his steps toward New Iberia. Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor's small army pressed him, but Franklin worried so little about his enemy's attentions that he allowed his divisions to march and encamp far from each other. By November 3, they were scattered over a wide area, with part of the XIII Corps holding a rear guard position near Grand Coteau, on Bayou Bourdeau. Here was the opening Taylor had sought. Just before noon, his advance echelon, 2 divisions of cavalry and 3 infantry regiments under Brig. Gen. Thomas Green, attacked the camp of Brig. Gen. Stephen G. Burbridge's division, the most exposed command. Union sentinels were so lax that the Confederates charged out of a ravine into Burbridge's front and flanks before he could deploy. From his position in the rear, Maj. Gen. Cadwallader C. Washburn rode to he scene, only to discover that many of the troops had broken and were scattered over the field, and the utter destruction or capture of the whole force seemed imminent. Burbridge tried to fight his way out. Directing his attention to the single cavalry brigade and the infantry assailing his front and right, he entrusted the defense of his other flank (threatened by the rest of Green's cavalry) to Lt. Col. Theodore Buehler, the commander of his 67th Indiana. Through what Washburn later called "incompetency or cowardice", Buehler failed to take action till too late; eventually surrounded, he surrendered his regiment en masse to he cavalry. Finding his left "totally gone", Burbridge ordered a retreat. Many of his men had started without him, fleeing 3 miles to the safety of Gen. McGinnis' camp. With the assistance of that division, Burbridge re-formed and stood firm. Fighting vigorously but not making further headway, Green finally drew off, having killed 25, wounded 129, and captured 562 men and one 10 lb. cannon. The day after this galling defeat, the Federals resumed their withdrawal, but with more caution and a healthier regard for Confederate strength, savvy, and opportunism. A great Louisiana battle letter, 2 items, letter and cover..........................................$395.00

9107 - A VIVID DESCRIPTION OF A MEMBER OF THE 119 NYV BEING EXECUTED SITTING ON HIS COFFIN, 8 page letter in ink with stamped cover postmarked Washington, DC, dated September 19th, 1863 by Sergeant Bruce Elmore, Company C, 143rd New York to his wife Libbie. He relates in part, "Yesterday we were called out to witness the solemn duty of witnessing the fulfillment of the law-a man being shot by his fellow soldiers for the crime of desertion. The Brigade formed on three sides of a hollow square and the grave of the doomed man occupied the fourth side of the square. The brigade was all in position about half past two and waited for the doomed man for half an hour. Captain Bennett, with a detail of our own and one other regiment of this brigade commanded by Captain B. escorted the prisoner to the place of execution. He [the prisoner] was brought to the place in a transport or common army wagon drawn by four mules. HE RODE ON HIS COFFIN WITH A CHAPLIN BY HIS SIDE. FROM THE DISTANCE I STOOD FORM THE PLACE OF EXECUTION I CANNOT TELL EXACTLY HIS APPEARANCE, BUT HE SHOWED NO EMOTION THAN ONE WOULD EXPECT AT SUCH A TIME. HE WALKED WITH THE MINISTER AND THEN THEY KNELT ON THE COFFIN [WHICH WAS BY THE SIDE OF THE GRAVE] AND THE MINISTER OFFERED UP A PRAYER. WHILE KNEELING AN OFFICER FIXED THE BANDAGE ON HIS EYES, AND THE LIGHT WAS SHUT FROM THEM FOREVER. HE WAS THEN SET ON HIS COFFIN AND THE MINISTER TURNED AWAY BUT HAD PROCEEDED BUT A FEW STEPS WHEN THE SHARP REPORT OF A DOZEN MUSKETS STRUCK THE EAR AND THE DOOMED MAN WAS NO MORE. HE FELL BACK INSTANTLY AND WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST STRUGGLE. It was a solemn sight but the welfare of the nation requires rigid military law. The other day a train of SUTLER wagons was attacked by rebel bushwackers on the way to Alexandria. 8 to 10 attacked the train that succeeded in escaping with 5 or 6 horses. The attack was made near one of our picket posts. The bushwackers came from the wood dressed in our uniforms so our pickets did not recognize them. The wackers fired shots from their revolvers but none hit any of our men. He relates more of the story of the attack n the Sutler wagons. He adds that the man executed belonged to the 119th New York. [Research shows that the man executed was Jacob Aierdain who was executed for desertion]. One of the best execution letters we have seen or handled.................................................................$495.00

56th New York Infantry-Official Company 1 Return Listing a Nurse and a Hospital Steward

Fifty-sixth Infantry -- Cols. Charles H. Van Wyck, Rockwell Tyler, Lieut.-Cols., James Jordan, Frederic Decker, John J. Wheeler, Rockwell Tyler, Eliphas Smith, James Dubois. The 56th Regiment was organized at Newburgh and was composed of eleven companies, two light batteries and two Cavalry troops. The batteries later became the 7th and 8th independent batteries and the cavalry part of the 1st mounted rifles. Co. L was the 5th company of N.Y. sharpshooters. The men were mainly from Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties and were mustered into the U.S. service at Newburgh, Oct. 28, 1861, for three years. The regiment left for Washington on Nov. 7, 1861, was there assigned to the 1st Brigade, Casey's division, and served in the vicinity of Washington until March, 1862. In the opening of the spring campaign, the regiment, as part of the 1st Brigade, 2nd division, 4th Corps, participated in the siege of Yorktown and was present without loss at Williamsburg, Savage Station and Bottom's Bridge. At Fair Oaks, the loss of the command was heavy--66 killed and wounded and 5 missing. In June, the Brigade, in Peck's division of the 4th Corps, was present during "the Seven Days' battles but not closely engaged, and after the battle of Malvern Hill was withdrawn to Yorktown. In December, the brigade under Naglee was assigned to the 18th Corps and reached South Carolina early in Jan. 1862. The regiment served about Charleston, was active in the siege of Fort Wagner in July, 1863, and the subsequent operations in the vicinity. It was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd division, 18th Corps, in March, 1863, and transferred to the 10th Corps in October. While with the 18th Corps, it was stationed on Folly Island and at Beaufort. In the summer of 1864, the regiment was stationed at James Island; lost 50 men in an engagement at Honeyhill; was active at Coosawhatchie and Boyd's point in December, and shared in the operations at Deveaux Neck, S.C., during the same month with considerable loss. The original members not reenlisted were mustered out at the expiration of the term of enlistment and the regiment remained in the Department of the South, serving in the coast division during the winter of 1864-65 and at Charleston from March, 1865 to Oct. 17, 1865, when it was mustered out. The regiment lost during its term of service 64 by death from wounds and 216 from other causes.

Charles H. Van Wyck: Age, 37 years. Enrolled September 4th, 1861 at New York City. Mustered in as a Colonel, September 4th, 1861 for a three-year tour of duty. Mustered out with regiment October 17th, 1865 at Charleston, S.C.

6131 - COMPANY I, 56 NYV, January 31st, 1863, St. Helena Isle, South Carolina, listed detached men. Absent men in Captain Cox's Company, written and filled in by Lt. Norris Crossman. Lists several men detached as nurses in hospitals and another in a hospital at Yorktown. Printed and filled-in, 10" X 16". Captain Cox was listed as AWOL on the verso of the document. Crossman's diaries have been published. Very fine...................................$65.00

6132 - COMPANY I, 56 NYV, Seabrook Isle, SC, March 31st, 1863 listed detached men and officers present in Captain Cox's Company, written and filled in by Lt. Norris Crossman. Lists one man detached as a nurse in a hospital. Printed and filled-in, 10" X 16", Captain Cox was listed as AWOL on the verso of the document. Crossman's diaries have been published. Very fine..................................................$65.00

6133 - COMPANY I, 56 NYV, Beaufort, SC, August 31st, 1863 listed detached men and officers present in Captain Smith's Company, written and filled in by Lt. Norris Crossman. Lists one man detached as a nurse in a hospital, another as a Hospital Steward. Printed and filled-in, 10" X 16", Crossman's diaries have been published. Very fine..........................$65.00

6134 - 91ST PENN. VOLUNTEERS, SERVED IN MOST OF THE BATTLES OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC FROM 1861-65 INCLUDING GETTYSBURG, 8" X 10" manuscript order dated January 15th, 1865 by order of Colonel Seller giving sentinels orders how to greet officers when they approach their posts and how to carry their "pieces". Dated from the headquarters of the 91st PA just before they were engaged in the battles of Dabney Mills and Hatchers Run (February 5-7th, 1865). The 91st fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, the "Mud March", Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the "Bristoe Campaign", Mine Run, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, Petersburg, Dabney Mills, Hatcher's Run, Appomattox Campaign..............$45.00

6135 - 91ST PENN, VOLUNTEERS, SERVED IN MOST OF THE BATTLES OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC FROM 1861-65 INCLUDING GETTYSBURG, Dated in the field, April 29th, 1865, 8" X 10" pre-printed and filled in descriptive listing for the pay and clothing account of Sergt. John Evans of Company G of the 91st PA giving the details of his pay after enlistment and clothing allowance not used, signed by Captain William Spangler of Company G, 91st PA. The 91st fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, the "Mud March", Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the "Bristoe Campaign", Mine Run, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, Petersburg, Dabney Mills, Hatcher's Run, Appomattox Campaign. This document was written 20 days after Lee's surrender at Appomattox when the 91st was still in the field near there. Very fine..............................................$45.00

6136 - OFFICIAL FORM FOR HANDLING A COURT MARTIAL, 4 pages in manuscript 8" X 13" detailing the procedures in conducting a court martial trial in the army, dated 186, statement accounts, witness accounts specifications of charges. Obviously done in the field by an officer. This form is very detailed and came with some other documents pertaining to the 91st PA. First one that we have seen like this. Very fine........................................$35.00

6137 - MISSOURI IN THE CIVIL WAR, Headquarters Dept. of the Missouri, St. Louis, February 14th, 1865, General Order #30, three pages printed, the charges and trial of three named Missouri citizens for robbery and larceny, another against a Henry Smith for trying to bribe a Federal officer to free a prisoner...he was sentenced to the Missouri State prison at Jefferson City. The three charged with robbery and larceny were sentenced to 10 years at hard labor by order of J.W. Barnes, Asst. Adj. General. Choice condition......................$45.00

6138 - THE CIVIL WAR IN MISSOURI COURT MARTIAL'S OF KANSAS, MISSOURI, AND ILLINOIS TROOPS ON CHARGES INCLUDING DESERTION, St. Louis, Headquarters Dept. of the Missouri, February 28th, 1865, six pages printed, octavo, General Orders #53. These troopers were charged with various offenses ranging from sleeping at their posts, larceny, desertion, joining guerillas in Missouri, charges are detailed with sentences. Very fine...............................................$55.00

6139 - A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION OF CHARLES MAGNUS PATRIOTIC COVERS WITH SEVEN DIFFERENT VIEWS OF ALEXANDRIA, VA AND ONE OF THE SMITHSONIAN IN WASHINGTON, 7 different "Bird's Eye Views of Alexandria." Two hand colored, five in light gilt print, views from the Potomac, views of the town showing military camps and one of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. All with the desirable Charles Magnus imprint. VF-EF, a choice collection, all war period imprints. The group of seven different................................................$275.00

6140 - UNITED STATES ARMIES OPERATING AGAINST RICHMOND, 2 2 patriotic covers by Charles Magnus dated 1865, both covers are deep lavender in color with a gilded imprint, one in silver, one in gold, large eagle with the caption "US Armies Operating against Richmond, VA" with spots to enter the Company, Regiment, Brigade, Division, and Army Corps. The silver printed cover is quite attractive, the gold printed cover has oxidized (print somewhat). These are the first two of this type we have seen, unused and a desirable set of Magnus covers, the pair................................................$85.00

6524 - COMMISSION SIGNED BY WILLIAM DENNISON GOVERNOR OF OHIO FOR AN OFFICER IN THE 16TH OHIO, 8" X 11", pre-printed commission for 1st Lt. Cushman Cunningham of the 16th Ohio Infantry dated May 4th, 1861 when the 16th Ohio was still a Militia unit, nice black seal, fine, some ink bleed from endorsements on the verso. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) and Adjutant into late 1863. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio through the war as an officer and adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. Dennison was instrumental in getting Ohio's troops organized and sent troops into Western Virginia in 1861 as well as becoming Postmaster General under Lincoln..................................................$150.00

6525 - COMMISSION SIGNED BY WILLIAM DENNISON GOVERNOR OF OHIO FOR AN OFFICER IN THE 16TH OHIO, 8" X 11", pre-printed commission for 1st Lt. Cushman Cunningham, December 16th, 1861, nice blue seal, fine. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) and Adjutant into late 1863. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio through the war as an officer and adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. Dennison was instrumental in getting Ohio's troops organized and sent troops into Western Virginia in 1861 as well as becoming Postmaster General under Lincoln..........$150.00

6526 - COMMISSION SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DAVID TOD OF OHIO FOR AN OFFICER IN THE 16TH OHIO, 8" X 11", pre-printed commission for Captain Cushman Cunningham, November 18th, 1862. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) and Adjutant into late 1863. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio through the war as and officer and adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from the late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. A most attractive commission with large eagle and flags. Signed by Tod as Governor...............$150.00

6528 - NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT AS A 1ST LT. IN THE 16TH OHIO REGIMENT SIGNED BY UNION GENERAL C.P. BUCKINGHAM, Pre-printed and filled-in 8" X 10", HEADQUARTERS OF OHIO MILITIA stationary advising Cushman Cunningham that he has been appointed a Lt.  in the 16th Ohio, dated November 25th, 1861. Signed by Buckingham as Adj. General of the State of Ohio. Cushman later became a Captain and severed with the 16th Ohio until 1864. Very fine...............................................$85.00

6530 - MUSTER OUT ROLL FOR ADJ. CUSHMAN CUNNINGHAM OF THE 16TH OHIO NEAR VICKSBURG, MS, 12" X 24" printed and filled in muster out roll dated near Vicksburg, MS for Adj. Cushman Cunningham dated June 5th, 1863 while the 16th Ohio was engaged in the Vicksburg Campaign. The reason for the form was his appointment as Captain of the Regiment. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) throughout the war and Adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. Some archival repairs, otherwise paper is fresh and bold manuscript...................................$75.00

6531 - MUSTER IN ROLL FOR CAPTAIN CUSHMAN CUNNINGHAM OF THE 16TH OHIO NEAR VICKSBURG, 12" X 16" printed and filled in mustering in Captain Cushman Cunningham as a Captain in the 16th Ohio. Dated June 5th, 1863 near Vicksburg where the 16th Ohio was involved in the Vicksburg Campaign. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) throughout the war and Adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. Very good, bold manuscript........................................$75.00

6533 - WOUNDED AND CAPTURED AT GETTYSBURG, COLONEL JOHN F. IRWIN 149TH PENNSYLVANIA, 8" X 10" large pre-printed and filled-in ordnance receipt signed by Irwin as Lt. Colonel of the 149th PA noted "in the field", September 25th, 1864. It appears to be all the accruements and Enfield rife of one soldier. It lists the rifle, bayonet scabbard, cap pouch, cartridge box, plate and belt, gun sling, waist belt, and belt plate. These were turned over to the Colonel by Captain John Batdorff. Quite possibly these were once the property of a dead soldier to be recycled. Irwin was adjutant of the regiment and while acting as major was wounded by a concussion of a shell at Gettysburg on July 1st, 1863. He has a factitious name as Frank Israel when he signed his parole and returned to his regiment. He commanded the 149th in the pursuit of the 149th south. He was officially promoted to Major, then Lt. Colonel. On April 2nd, 1864, he took command of the regiment. Then he was promoted to Colonel on February 2nd, 1864. Very fine............................................$95.00

The Correspondence of Engineer George P. Hunt, US Navy
In the Year 1864
"U.S.S. Metacomet"

Engineer George P. Hunt served in the US Navy from 1861-1887 on numerous ships. His tour on the "Metacomet" in 1864-1865 was highlighted by the action at Mobile Bay but between stations at Mobile his ship went on numerous cruises in search of blockade runners in the Gulf of Mexico. His letters are well written and extremely descriptive. Each letter comes with a copy photo of Hunt.

5270 - CHASING A BLOCKADE RUNNER OFF THE TEXAS COAST, USS Metacomet, January 1st, 1864. 4 pages in ink by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part, have sent views from New Orleans and Key West, view of the fort and others...have left New Orleans to carry the monitor "Milwaukee" to Mobile, then we sailed down the coast (west) and hit a gale en route like a "north westerner" with bitter cold, vessel pitching and rolling with 2-3 feet of water on the deck, all hatches secured, impossible to stand on the deck without lashing yourself to something. During the gale, we spotted a schooner that might be a blockade runner but due to the heavy seas we did not dare to turn around and chase her, we were disappointed we let a prize go through our fingers however about 3 PM the winds and seas moderated and we turned to chase him and caught him. It was laden with sugar and coffee from Vera Cruz to New Orleans. But since it was 200 miles off course, the papers funny, the Captain condemned her (as a blockade runner), the prize would mean 1/3 of a years pay for Hunt. The capture happened about 85 miles from Galveston, TX. Describes having turkey aboard the past holidays, but some were so seasick they had to dine on "salt horse". A well written letter describing a blockade runner being captured................$250.00

5273 - THE NEAR DESTRUCTION OF THE METACOMET IN THE GULF OF MEXICO DURING BLOCKADE DUTY, USS Metacomet, Mississippi River, February 22nd, 1864. 4 page letter in ink by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates a story of near disaster, in part..."We have been at sea since 6 AM on the 18th and hit a gale that blew us for 38 hours. The second night the seas being so high and the "Metacomet" shallow and flat bottomed, we rolled like a tub and did not steer in the heavy sea, First one way than another way, sometimes sideways like a crab. Several engineers became sick and could not do their duty and could not be trusted with a watch so we had double duty. Had six hours on and six hours off no time really to eat or sleep. After two days, I came to the conclusion that they had played sick long enough and I insisted they take their watches separate from one another. We had set up a small sail to keep the vessel steady in the wind, but away went the masts overboard and then our rudder chains broke and we lay in a trough until we could rig another steering apparatus. Sometimes we were covered with 15-18' of water (waves). Leakage occurred due to the collision and 20" of water built up in the ship so pumps worked to rid the water from the ship. Last night we passed Forts St. Philip and Jackson (on the Mississippi) with the distance to New Orleans being 26 miles with a 5 knot current against us. Please excuse the writing as the vessel is shaking. A great letter dealing with the perils of sudden gales that occur in the Gulf......................................................$175.00

5275 - REBEL STEAMERS RUN THE BLOCKADE AT MOBILE, ONE GETS AGROUND, BUT WE CANNOT ATTACK IT, IF FARRAGUT WERE HERE IT WOULD BE DIFFERENT, Metacomet off Mobile, April 12th, 1864. 8 pages in ink, with stamped postal cover postmarked New Orleans, written by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part..."Your letter received has gotten me out of the blues. Yesterday two large steamers came on in right under our noses and both escaped. One Clyde built steamer, the other American made. The first a side-wheel steamer, double smokestacks and a little larger than the "Cumberland". They ran along the shore about 3/4 miles from the fort and became aground. We ran up to the flagship "Oneida" and asked permission to go up and shell her before the Confederates could get her off but we were told to go back to our station by the Senior Officer. We had to watch the Rebs bring up steamers and barges to lighten her and she got off by noon. There are 11 vessels now blockading here. The "Itasca", Pinola", "Oneida", "Ossippee", and another lying out to sea. The "Penguin", "Albatros", "Genesee" lay nearer the shore. The "Conemaugh" is in the Secesh Channel. He feels they are stationed in the main ship channel where nothing happens because they are on a black list. The "Pembina" and the "Seminole" lay below us. He remarks about better lookouts on several ships would have prevented the escape and forced them back out to sea. "We could have had a jolly good chase." At daylight, we saw a splendid American made steamer with double smokestacks, side wheels, about 1800-2000 tons, the "Austin" of Havana in the same Secesh channel about 1 1/2 miles from the fort aground. The flag officer would not let me do anything to prevent them from coming with their steamers to tow her off. She got off safe in the afternoon. There are about 40 steamers laying in Nassau waiting to run the blockade. It is provocative to say that if Farragut was here something would have been done. Little is being done to prevent them from running in her. The Rebs may want a few more English rifles and cannon, a few more Whitworth rifles or Brook's cannon which may be mounted in Fort Morgan to greet our ironclads. Says Farragut is in New Orleans. Expects a few more steamers to try to run the blockade when the moon goes down around 1 AM. A great letter regarding blockade running into Mobile just as the fleet was gathering for an attack on the forts.....................................................$350.00

5277 - BLOCKADE RUNNERS GET IN AGAIN, SENT OUT BOATS TO SCOUT THE REBEL FLEET, THE TENNESSEE AND BALTIC LAY AWAITING OUR FLEET BUT THEY MAY ATTACK FIRST, May 21st, 1864, Saturday night [off Mobile], 12 pages in ink by Engineer George P. Hunt on board the USS Metacomet. He relates in part, He has lost a trusted friend McMurray in the "Chenango Affair" who was a 2nd Engineer. He feels that they are being "Blacklisted" doing too much or too little, then overlooked by the authorities. In our case were posted in a very dangerous place and as a gale approached our Captain concluded to enter the sound as the barometer fell rapidly. Captain Jenkins of the "Richmond" sent a boat in after us and gave us the most disagreeable station for 21 days. Close attention needs to be paid to our boilers. News of Grant near Richmond. Last Saturday, a steamer ran out successfully but discovered by our picket boat. But we had problems with signals and she escaped. The "Itasca" lay close to the shore and it was to intercept her and drive her back out in the channel as they always run in close to shore. The "Itasca" got her cable caught on her propeller and signaled "Assistance I need". But at the same time one boat signaled red & white instead of white and red. The confusion allowed the steamer to escape safe while we all attached her running out. The Admiral [Farragut] just arrived on the "Hartford". We go to Pensacola for a few days for coaling. Everyone is scared here about the rebel rams. A deserter came in and reported that they were going to attack our fleet with two gunboats and two rams. Sunday, describes fishing trip nearby where they caught over 600 fish snapper and catfish, most 12-13 pounds fish but some up to 60 pounds with our lines. We also caught a 1000 pound shark and when opened it had several cats and dogs inside! The shark struck one man on deck with his tail and he went head over heels. We are laying now facing Fort Morgan and we can see Fort Gaines and Powell. I believe they are evacuating Fort Powell and laying obstruction in the channel. Reports say there are about 6 miles of batteries after passing Fort Morgan and 50 torpedoes; there was a great storm the other night as we almost lost the picket boats as the rolling seas made it difficult to come along side of us. To remain out would have resulted in being driven to shore and captured as the shore is lined with cavalry scouts watching for blockage runners. We succeeded in picking them up but one man suffered a broken leg getting out of a boat. We sent a boat to Dauphin Isle to watch the Bay for rams and ironclads. They saw two, the "Tennessee" and the "Baltic" ironclad rams and the "Selma" and the "Gaines: gunboats." Captain Leroy has made over $100,000 on a prize the "Desoto" captured. I suppose he does not care much for attacking them now. An excellent letter on the affairs in Mobile Bay in late May where blockade runners still came into Mobile quite easily much to the chagrin of Hunt and his ship seeming being out of the action for one reason or another on a "blacklist"...............................................$395.00

5279 - THE METACOMET CAPTURES THE CONFEDERATE BLOCKADE RUNNER DONEGEL, Metacomet, off Mobile, June 26th, 1864. 4 pages in ink to Miss Earnes by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...He has just returned from Pensacola [coaling] and he thanks her for the copy of the Proclamation [Emancipation Proclamation]. By now you will have learned of the capture of the "Donegal" [blockade runner by the Metacomet], hopefully we will be successful in getting some more out of the sea. The "Denbigh" ran out after the capture of the "Donegal", some said the "Metacomet" was on a wild goose chase but the "D" was the fastest blockade runner which we caught now they feel that they must watch for us. The next night we discovered the "Denbigh" running in close to shore and we drove her out to sea but it ran through our mist and escaped. The captain of the "Donegal" had ran the "Oreto" [old name for the "Florida"] in and out of Mobile and also headed the party who captured the "Fly Boston" and ran her into Mobile a short time ago. He is now in Fort Pickens and he has tried to bribe them into letting him escape. He said that there was a large amount of gold and silver on the "Donegal" and that was the richest prize yet captured. Two of our officers went to see him to try and find out something. I sent a box of cigars back on the "Union", the only thing I got off that ship. Describes the horrible hospital in Pensacola, common sea rations, no ice, no fruit, no attendants except one nigger boy, about 15 officers there suffering from diarrhea and dysentery, chills and fever. They are tormented to death by and fleas and mosquitoes at night. Some have been there for two years. I visited the hospital and decided I would rather stay on board my ship. [Page 5 is small 3" X 4" blue paper written on both sides where he adds], Tuesday night. A lively time, we stood for the Flagship "Hartford" after maneuvering the fleet again and firing at targets. The Admiral and his staff came aboard as he wanted a good at the Rebel fleet started underway so we ran closed and rounded the fort. There most formidable craft is kind half like the "Atlanta" and half "Merrimac" built as ram. Three guns on either side, the one aft is heavy English gun. The Rebs are at a loss to make of our affair. An excellent letter describing the capture of a blockade runner and after a closer look at the "Tennessee" gives a vivid description of the Confederate ram................................................$395.00

5288 - THE CHASE AND CAPTURE OF THE BLOCKADE RUNNER SUSANA, "Metacomet", at sea, November 28th, 1864. 12 pages in ink, to Miss Eames from Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...We left for New Orleans on the 18th towing the "Manhattan" for repairs. We received permission to then go on a short cruise looking for blockade runners, to coal the ship in New Orleans and once at Key West or off Galveston then return to New Orleans. We steered for Campechy Bay and "Cape St. Antonio". We steamed slowly and arrived on Campechy shoals...we were fishing and all of a sudden we saw a masthead and "sail ho".