Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A great war-date U. S. Military Railroad letter, 4 1/2pp. 4to., written by a certain railroad man "S. Hayden", Alexandria, Va., Oct. 7, 1864, with a rare round hand-stamp cancel "U. S. Military R. R., Oct. 7, 1864" concerning attacks by Mosby's Rangers along the Manassas Gap railroad line which the Union government wanted to reopen after Mosby and his men successfully halted its use earlier in 1864, in part: "…we are all the most anxious about [future bvt. brig. gen.] Major [John M.] Waite [8th Illinois Cavalry] and some 200 RR men he has up the Manassas R. R. opening that road so as to get a communication from here with Sheridan and his forces in the Shenandoah Valley. This RR has been abandoned by the Federals men last spring…the War Department ordered it opened about a week ago…3 miles back from Alexandria you reach the outside of the Federal lines…and all beyond has been in the hands of the Confederates for many months. No large body of Rebs troops have been kept this summer there…it is…called Mosby's guerillas ground. As soon as the Maj. [Waite] was directed to reopen this road he sent up his construction and repairing [?]…with provisions and materials…the government sent troops…to patrol his men…as fast as they put it in running order…trains have been running day and night…on this road…carrying workmen, troops, provisions & material…Maj. Waite has been back and forth and all went seemingly till night before last when a Confederate force made a break on the road this side of where the Major and his [?] were and cut them off from all communication with Alexandria [on October 5, Mosby's men stationed two howitzers on Stevenson's Hill, south of Salem and attacked the Union forces encamped there]…a good many of the troops to protect…the road…were captured yesterday…and we are of course all very anxious for him [Major Waite] and his men. He may be safe, but till we hear from him we shall feel the greatest anxiety…the Confederate troops have tried for a long time to get possession of Maj. Waite. They would rather get hold of him them of Sheridan…and if they should capture him we fear much for his…safety…I would rather see all our other troops captured than Maj. Waite. Large bodies of troops are being sent up the line today…the Confederate troops about here are bold fighting men. Last night a band of Mosby's men captured a man within three miles of this place. We are safe here, but three miles outside of this city is not very safe for Yanks…I do not want my boys to be soldiers in this war…then to see them [?] by the petty will of every upstart puppy that chances to be in authority…it is all excitement here…large numbers of troops have left to go up the RR towards Maj. W. and more are still going. We hear nothing more from Maj. I called into see his wife at noon. She is very anxious…but keeps up very good courage that he will get out safe. I hope he may…". Fine
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