September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
Autograph Letter Signed, Francis M. Metcalf, Co. C. 117th N.Y. and a member of the Signal Corp after July 1863, 7pp. octavo, Hampton General Hospital, September 8, 1863, with cover addressed to his sister in New York. This letter reads in part: "...Uncle James & Ev are drafted. That Ev will answer the call by going & Uncle James by three hundred dollars or a substitute which some understand to be better while others think they amount to the same thing...I will try to enumerate what few things I think Ev. had better take with him...I do advise him...to have a rubber blanket...The army size is the best...Perhaps a rubber coat would be preferable if he is in Cavalry mounted infantry, or mounted anyway...a good pair of hip boots...a good pair of home-made stockings...Don't forget a few pants buttons as Uncle Sams are always losing off...One coat is enough...If Uncle Sam don't offer better shirts than those white mixture (wool & cotton) that I have seen lately he'd better get his own from home (all wool is best)...an oil-silk whole cap...My Captain now is Capt. Cleem but you can do as you please about using it. It is well enough & sometimes better to merely direct Signal Corp..." Fine.
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