Raynors HCA 2018-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
A great war-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Ira Ross, 1st Penn. Cavalry (as courier for General George D. Bayard), Upton Hill, Va., Sept. 19, 1862, to his "remembered friend," reading, in part: "…the weeks that have passed…have been eventful to our country…Cedar Mountain, Bull Run, Hagerstown Heights and others of less note have been added to the catalog of "blood stained fields."…at Cedar Mountain…was an eye witness…subsequently visited a part of the field which was strewn with dead men and horses. I was on the field during the entire fight at Bull Run and did not leave it until after dark…the choking dust, the blinding smoke, the deafening thunder, the startling clash, the wild hurrah of angry thousands…all combine to baffle the ablest pen…short and terrible was the conflict and when the tide of victory turned against us the patriot heart breathed a prayer…for a Washington to turn defeat into final victory…our brigade are now doing picquet duty at Bailey's X Roads and Fall's Church. I am still orderly for the Genl. and have been to the city three times since we have been here…also had several trips to Arlington Heights, the present Head Qr. of Gen. Heintzelman and the former residence of the Rebel Gen. Lee. We were much worn out with our long marches…we got back here…as ragged and dirty as a pack of irish…since got all new clothes…the threatened invasion of Pa. and intended capture of Washington by the Rebs did not scare us…many of our men were discouraged and seemed to think that we could never crush the rebellion…they have since become quite patriotic…our victories in Maryland have wholly reassured them. Why we were driven back…Pope and McDowell have all the blame to bear…one is denounced by almost all as a traitor and the other as unfit the high position he held. I do not think McDowell unloyal…I shall make no excuses for Pope. McClellan is the armies favorite and all the men regard him as a second Washington…of terrible battles in Maryland. The Rebs are said to be entirely surrounded and are fighting for existence. Longstreet is a prisoner and Hill is said to be killed. The loss in officers on our side is…very heavy…a soldier's life is a hard one beset by many temptations…those that come through with untarnished characters will acknowledge that it was in answer to the petition of fateful ones…Ira Ross." Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover. Overall VG
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