Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
War-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Lieut. William H. Mickle, Co. H, 134th New York Vol., "Office A. A.Q M. Artillery, 11th A. C., Bridgeport, Ala., March 27, 64". While serving as an officer on the staff of the 11th Corps' Chief of Artillery, Mickle took a brief leave of absence to return home and get married-while there something happened, in small part: "I have been waiting & waiting to hear from home that I might know you had returned to Buffalo, but I can't stand it any longer so here it goes…Aunt Susie I just begin to enjoy the happy time I spent during my 'leave' which then seemed like one long vivid dream…when the evening shades…begin to draw around me & I have a moments leisure, then Will images himself stealing quietly into a certain lady's room. Quietly tapping at the door. The look of her half 'come-if-you-dare' & the other half surprise. The recognition & then the 'charge' & Will was captured. If I could be taken like that again. I would not care to be paroled or exchanged unless the exchange would bring me to Olivia. My own Dear Wife. Well, Aunt Susie, how did you like my choice or didn't you remain long enough to come to any definite conclusion?…[you said about my wife] 'I like her style & wish circumstances would permit me to enjoy more of it'. Ah! What does that imply? I reckon I'll be compelled to take Mrs. Mickle to Buffalo & visit Aunt Susie's family & accompanied by them to the falls. How would you & Uncle Jas. enjoy a trip with Olivia & me to Gettysburg when I return?…How are my little cousins (or rather children)…have you had a Soldier boy for a gallant recently?…write me a good description of your visit after I left…& just what you think about me…or any other man…please answer immediately or I'll never be your husband again…". Raising to the rank of captain, Mickle served faithfully throughout the remainder of the war, being wounded at Gettysburg, and serving as a staff officer for Generals Howard, Hooker, and Sherman. VG
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