Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A rare war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. William Seely, Co. B, 47th Illinois Vols. "Camp near Young's Point, La., April 16, 1863", in part: "…on the 11th of March we struck tents and marched within three miles of Memphis…embarked on board the steamer Empress…landed at Helena, Ark…we went down about 7 miles and landed on a low sandy island with the Father of the waters on one side and a large swamp or pond…on the other. The island was but a little higher than the surface of the river. The pond on the west side is some two miles wide and the water varies in depth from two to fifteen feet…the boys had made a great many canoes and rafts with which to ride on the pond…we stayed here 14 days…embarked this time on board the Gay Eagle…came to this place…we are now about 12 miles above Vicksburg and we can hear the artillery almost every day…since we came here our division has been working upon a canal, which runs from the river to a lake about one mile and a half…we have so far completed this canal, that the levee has been cut and the water let in and the dredges at work scooping out the bottom of the ditch. The water runs very swift and is about eight feet deep…this canal will be a success…we shall be able to cut off the supplies from the rebels at Vicksburg…their supplies…have been brought from Texas & Ark…we will soon cut off all communication in that direction…there is some fears that since the canal has been opened we shall be overflowed…our camp is some four feet lower than the…river. We have been protected so far by the levee but there is danger of the levee, on the sides of the canal breaking…you speak of there being opposition to the draft …I look upon such men as the worst enemies the government has to contend with. They are ten fold worse than the rebels we are fighting here in Dixie..wo be to the Cowardly Dogs when the soldier return…I only wish the Government would draft such men as are not loyal…". Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover. VG.
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.