Our Men Sat On Dead Bodies To Eat

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012

A good group of four war-date Union soldier's letters, totaling nine pages, written by Pvt. George W. Hakes, Co. I, 47th Illinois, Vols., to his friend, Emily A. Gates (1839-1927), in small part: "...[Head Quarters Pioneer Corps, 3rd Div., Grand Gulf, Miss., May 29, 1863]…they are still fighting at Vicksburg and have been for thirty two days. The Pioneer Corps still has plenty of work to do…it is so hot hot down in Dixie that we can not work in the middle of the day…cut down a large Magnolia tree which was laden with the most fragrant blossoms…in the tree was some flying squirrels…squads of negroes visits us daily with large baskets of plums which they offer for sale at five cents a pint…[Bear Creek, Miss., July 31, 63]…the rebel lines is so broken and scattered that our men don't know where they are and so they ordered a rest…when we cant find the enemy it is a good sign that the war is nearly over…Jerry has sent home a case of field instruments which was captured at Jackson [by Corp. Benjamin J. Gates, 47th Illinois]…belongs to some secesh surgeon…[Vicksburg, Miss., Sept. 1, 63]…when Cap. Jordan told you that our men sat on dead bodies to eat, he must have been mistaken. I don't think that eny of our brave soldiers would do sutch a thing. We all have more respect for the dead than to make seats of them…the Captain has deceived you…[General Hospital, Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Dec. 20, 63]…I have seen the bridle it is a very nice one. I stitched two large stars for the sides with red and white thread…all of the old regiments will be discharged in the spring…". Also included are three of the original stamped transmittal covers. Overall fine

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