Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A great group of three war-date Union soldier's letters written to Emily A. Gates, Peoria, Illinois by her friends and family members. First is a battle letter, 3 1/2pp. 4to., by a certain "John" 86th Illinois, on "Office, Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. A.," stationery, "Camp near Atlanta, Georgia., July 27, 1864", in part: "…there is plenty of fighting going on every day. We have bin in herring of artillery and musketry so long that it is nothing now to us…there was several twenty pound shells passed over our train this evening. The rebus sends one now and then to let us know they are a bout yet …the results…from…Gen. thomas of three days fighting is as follows. The rebus loss on the 20, 21, 22 was twelve thousand killed and captured besides what they got off themselves…on the 23rd in front of Hooker's Corps there were nine hundred buried [and] their papers admit of fifteen thousand loss while ours is less than five thousand. We lost one excellent General McPherson and the rebus lost two Hood and Hardee. I suppose you have heard of the loss in our regiment and brigade since we left…it is one thousand men and three cols and some 15 or twenty commissioned officers. Col. McCook, Col. Harmon and Clancy. In the last charge the 86th [Illinois] did not loose so heavy, 4 killed and 6 wounded. We are not having as gay times as we did last July…". Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover. …plus, Second is a letter, 2pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. George Hull, Co. E, 20th Illinois Vols., on patriotic "Union and Constitution" stationery, n. p., [but Osage City, Mo.], Nov. 11, 1861, in part: "…we are Missouri. We have fine times here. We are on the Osage river to guard the bridge that runs above the river. Our company was sent and the company that your brother belongs to was [sent] for that purpose…we are ready for a fight any time…The rebels shot at us one night but didn't hit any of us…". ….-plus, is a letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by her brother, Pvt. James A. Gates, 146th Illinois Vols., Camp Butler, [Springfield, Illinois], Sept. 22, 1864, in part: "…I am a member of Co. I, 146th regiment state militia…we have got our uniforms, knapsacks, haversacks…and [?] rifles…Carr charged too mutch for the Colt and I would not give it. Tell mother to pay for that five dollars for that tomb stone…". Overall VG.
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