July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
War-date Union soldier’s Autograph Letter Signed by Sgt. John M. Kelly, 141st New York Infantry, 4pp. octavo, Shell Mound, Tennessee, February 4, 1864, and reads in part: “...I was glad to hear about Amos funeral...Amos was noble in his attributes, and loved by all that knew him. Yes my Sister you have lost him...But God has called him home, where neither war nor rumors of war are ever heard. His body lies mouldering beneath the traitors soil but his soul has gone to God...Yesterday we buried another of our boys. He died yesterday morning about 2 oclock of chornic diarehea; his name was Alfred W. Bush. He lived in Almond...I helped dig his grave. He was buried in military honor. Sweet commanded the squad. At the grave only 8 men and a corp. are allowed in the ceremonies of a private. In the first place the drum marches ahead of the coffin and plays the Death March, with muffled drums, after the drum corps the bearers march carrying the coffin, after the coffin marches the corporal and two file of men with reversed arms after them the major of the Reg. marches just ten paces in the rear. On arriving at the grave the corporal commands halt, and shoulder, armes, and as the bearers lays the coffin over the grave he commands present arms. he then orders them to should arms when the coffin is let down into the grave. The drums gives one continued roll then the grave is covered. The corporal orders his men to load at will. Load. when the pieces are loaded he orders Ready Aim Fire. They fire three volleys over the grave then march back to camp. But another of our boys are gone, he makes 8 of our number that are dead. Russell Carington will I think soon follow...” Near fine condition.
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