September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
War-date Union soldier's Autograph Letter Signed by Cornelius Van Houten, 1st New Jersey Light Artillery, 4pp. octavo, Battery 'B', October 3, 1864, and reads in part: "...I cannot say I feel the best for wear this morning for I was working hard yesterday most of the day and the rest we spent in firing at the Rebels works and last night about one oclock we had to rouse up to stop Mr. John from coming into us. About every other night there is a break out in our front, so we cannot lie down and know we will have a good nights rest, but e have to sleep like the rabbits with one eye open, for our fort is only a few yards from the picket line and we have to jump at the first shot. All the army is either on the left or right and we are about in the center. Our line is consequently very thin, there has been some very hard fighting for the last five days, first Genl. Grant caught Mr. Lee on his left flank and almost entered Richmond and before Lee knew where he was Grant had him by the right. I think Lee has just as much as he wants to do now for Genl. Grant does not publish his movements a month or two ahead, not even his Chief of Staff knows his movements till he gets his orders. I begin to have more faith than ever in both Gen. Grant and President Lincoln too. I do believe that Uncle Abe has done all in his power to preserve the Union in its purity. I am very sorry I ever denounced him as I did because I now truly believe he is worthy to be our President and I farther believe that the Chicago Convention was a regular Secesh concern and they thought more about helping the Rebels than they did about the preservation of our Union..." More. Fine condition.
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