Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A rare war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. William Seely, Co. B, 47th Illinois Vols. "Lagrange, Tenn., Dec. 10, 1863", in part: "…you speak of your Cousin's being wounded but didn't state whether it was in battle or whether it was an accident but from the weight of the ball I judge it was from an army gun…Harvey Divelbliss was taken to St, Louis and kept in a military prison several days. Then sent to Vicksburg and lodged in prison again…the Prov. Marshall at Peoria served him a mean trick…we have changed our base of operations from Miss. to Tenn. We were very much crowded on the boat…did not leave Memphis for two days…we were detailed to escort the wagon train out but when the teams were all loaded and ready to start we were ordered to take the cars and guard an ammunition train…for the guerrillas had become somewhat troublesome occasionally firing into the train…we received orders to march at six in the morning with three days rations. The first day we marched 25 miles but the Rebels learning of our movement came in our rear, tore up the Railroad track in several places and burnt several cars that were left at Salisbury…next day we turned and marched back but did not come in contact with the Rebs…our cavalry was skirmishing with them for a considerable distance. they would not wait for the infantry to come up. The march was a hard one on the men…we were ordered to prepare for action immediately…we only marched a little out of town…the rebus did not come. They went to the west and attacked Moscow and destroyed a small bridge, but were driven off…[future brig. gen.] Colonel [Edward] Hatch of the 2nd Iowa Cavalry was mortally wounded and has since died. The bridge was soon repaired and the cars now run as usual from Memphis to Corinth…". Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover. VG
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