Union Soldier’s Letter – Soldier and Unit Unknown – Very Interesting Content For Sale

Union Soldier’s Letter – Soldier and Unit Unknown – Very Interesting Content
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Union Soldier’s Letter – Soldier and Unit Unknown – Very Interesting Content:
$229.00

Union Soldier’s Letter – Soldier and Unit Unknown – Very Interesting Content!


Offered for yourconsideration is a Civil War era soldier’s camp letter, written in pencil, withinteresting and opinionated content. Headlined “Camp near Falmouth Feb. 28”(the year is not noted, but is probably 1863), our writer states that “If Imistake not, your last favor has not been answered, so her goes … I was over tothe 146th yesterday – Saw Jimmy G. Dave W. Ford the Wheeler boys& others – David told me he thought he would get a discharge within amonth, Ford uses a cane, Dave looks bad, & is but a wreck … Co. D in thatreg. can now turn out but about 25 muskets, & I suppose that is the averagethrough the reg. ... HW., J. P. & Myself have not seen each other sinceFredricksburg battle …”. He continues “… Washington’s birthday wasrainy. We were intending in our reg to have His farewell address read &sing some patriotic hymns, but it was altogether too wet. The Artillery did allthe celebrating. At noon they (the batteries) thundered out their grim salutes …”.He describes the soldier’s life as such “… We have but little to break the monotonyof camp life. Have some picketing to do, which is rather rougher than it usedto be, as we have to stay out 4 days & nights – without tents, & if itrains or snows have to take it with no better protection than a brush house …”.This monotony was broken “… Last Wednesday night about 9 oclock thereg. got orders to fall in fighting trim immediately – They went out to thepicket line to strengthen in … The cause of this movement was a raid by the RebelCavalry on our cavalry pickets, who came flying in onto our infantry picketsscared terribly … The infantry back here in the camps were set in motion, &expeditions of cavalry started out to bag the rebels – Unfortunately theGraybacks went back over the river too soon, & so our cavalry lost theirprey …”. Apparently, the author had a low opinion of the Union cavalry,as he writes that “… as a rule the rebels are well mounted our chaps poorly. So in anemergency our men come out 2nd best. When Johny Reb is theaggressor, our Cavalry cant run fast enough so get caught, and when the tablesare turned and our men are the pursuers, its like a stage coach chasing anengine. The miserable old plugs, which Uncle Samuel furnishes his mountedwarriors fail to connect in the time of need …”. Presumably respondingto a letter from home, he writes “… You are altogether too bitter on ourgovernment … It is a naked fact that soldiers reflect the sentiment of thepeople at home … letters from Friends at home to the boys, in the same spirit,all this has a serious depressing effect on the army Granting that theGovernment has made serious mistakes, as all are liable to, who travel anunknown road, still the opposition is not such supreme devotion to theConstitution, as it is desire to build up party & break down the rulingpower, our opposition at the North, gives aid & comfort to the Confederates… Our danger is not in the Radicals carrying things too far, but Democratsstopping short …”. Sadly, the author of this interesting letter isidentified only as “Fred”, though it may be possible with diligent research to identifythe writer and his unit. Obviously, the writer of this piece was fairlywell-educated and strongly opinionated. His observations are quite well foundedand clearly presented. A very interesting and historic letter, certainly worthyof additional research.

The presently offered specimenexhibits folds commensurate with having been inserted into an envelope andmailed, then unfolded and read (probably several times). The letter was writtenin pencil, causing several words and scattered letters to be smudged ordifficult to read. Light toning is present across the entire surface, impartingto the paper an off-white to beige hue. Darker stains are scattered throughoutthe letter, especially near the edges and along the fold lines on the lastpage. These stains along the fold lines make it difficult, though notimpossible, to read. Pinholes are noted at the juncture of the folds, thoughthese are small and do not threaten the integrity of the paper. The lettermeasures 7¾ x 9¾ inches and is presented on period lined paper (it isinteresting to note that a circular design with “HOME” has been embossed by the manufacturer at the upper left, underlinedand with an exclamation point added). Would make a great addition to any Civil Warcollection, especially if the author can be determined.

A$5.95 charge will be added to the winning offer for postage and insurance.

Ifyou have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.

Buy or offer withConfidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerousreference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “TheComprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2nd Edition”with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R.Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, theSociety of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismaticassociations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamondfounding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of theIndustry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can befound at many of the state and local coin shows.


American Coins and Collectibles

Shreveport, LA



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