Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
A good early war-date Union volunteer's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Ira F. Gensel, Co. I, 25th Penn. Vols., [2nd Lt. 4th United States Regular Infantry, MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Bivouac in the woods 3 miles from Sharpsburg, Washington, County, Maryland, July 6, 1861", in part: "…we were going to Sharpsburg. We reached that beautiful village this afternoon…it is decidedly the prettiest country village I have yet seen in the Slave states and the only place where I have yet found anything like unanimity of sentiment in favor of the Union. This morning we passed upon the Maryland side near Harpers Ferry and expected an attack, but the miserable cowards were afraid to fire although there were enough rebels…to make a respectable fight. After leaving Harpers Ferry…after climbing a very high mountain was the old log school where John Brown had his pikes secreted…farther on…the place where he and his comrades lived while plotting his attack on the Ferry. The house is a poor looking little house…near the mountain and is the last place that any other than an insane man would…liv[e]. The heat to-day was intense…to-morrow we will join Gen. Patterson at Martinsburg from thence we will go to Winchester where…the Rebels will make a stand…Ira F. Gensel." The original "Paid" transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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