July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
War-date Union soldier Autograph Letter Signed by Richard Andrews, 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery and later captain in the 36th USCT, later brevetted major, 4pp. octavo, "Bivouaced for an hour or so near Hagerstown, Md" July 11, 1863, with cover addressed to his wife, and carried "Through the kindness of John L. Phillips of Co. M 1st Mass H.A.", the letter reads in part: "...in the last five days and nights, we have marched over one hundred miles; forced marches over a very rough country, yesterday at this time, the ground I now sit on was covered with rebels belonging to Lee's Army, now they are six miles from us. Gen. Lee's headquarters being at Hagerstown. Tomorrow we shall go to the front and do our duty like men. We have been acting as Infantry since we left Maryland Heights but have the promise from Gen. Tyler to go in as either a Light Battery or with heavier guns, perhaps as a siege train. I prefer the Light Battery. We shall then be mounted. How should you like to see me in that dress, a short jacket trimmed with red, on horse back pulling our guns. I long for the chance to see and be a participant in the coming contest. Lee will fight, I think he is forced to it. The rebs have a good position and are entrenching and fortifying like devils..." Very Good condition.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.