Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A great war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 4to, written by Lieut. William H. Mickle, as an officer on Hooker's staff,"Hd. Qrs. 20th Army Corps, In the field, Gea., June 12, 1864", to his wife giving a great look at "Honest Abe's" place in the hearts of the fighting men, in part: "…we have had rain for eleven successive days & the roads are dreadful, but still we keep up a sort of demonstration on our lines against the enemy generally turning their right flank as we near Atlanta…we are rejoiced to hear that our Baltimore Convention nominated Lincoln…may [he] be elected accordingly. As to vice president we don't care…if only Father Abraham is reelected. Andy Johnston of Tennessee is a good candidate for the office. I once favored Fremont but that was when he stood upon the republican platform opposed to such an ass as Old imbecile Buchanan…every attempt to thwart Lincoln's reelection [is] a dagger into the vitals of our beloved Nation & if Fremont was wise he would politely decline such a nomination…if the North is so united in favor of 'Honest Abe' as the army is we need not fear…three cheers for the 'Rail Splitter'!!…Lee is in such [a] close contact with Richmond & hope he may be captured…we have had no fighting merely skirmishing…we hope to hurry the 'Johnies' on the double quick for Atlanta…the Rebs are moving to our right as if they intend to attack us in this terrible rain storm! So you must excuse me if I hasten. I'll write till they make the attack & then quietly buckle on my sword, mount my noble horse & away with 'Fighting Joe' to see what is going on…(let us always say 'thy will be done')…". Also included is the original stamped transmittal envelope. Raising to the rank of captain, Mickle served faithfully throughout the remainder of the war, was wounded at Gettysburg, and serving as a staff officer for Generals Howard, Hooker, and Sherman. Minor toning, else very good
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