Raynor HCA 2013-07
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/18/2013
Group of fourteen letters, and seven covers, written by Garret Empie of the 175th NY infantry to his wife. Letters cover a wide range of subjects, from the Lincoln assassination, to troop movements, Generals Sherman and Sheridan, etc. The letters date from October 1864 - May 1865, and all are in fine condition. A brief summary: Oct. 27, 1864, Winchester, Va. Speaks of marching from Harpers Ferry, carrying guns and ammunition, heading to Sheridan's HQ where they saluted him. Describes Sheridan as a "small man but a smart looking fellow. He cam here to visit his wounded men….He rode a large black horse". Continues with guarding Confederate soldiers and how some Confederates said they were Union men and tried to burn down a hospital, and that they were arrested and sent to Washington, D.C. for punishment. Oct. 29, 1864, Harpers Ferry, Va. In part "….now about the war. This morning before sunrise there was very heavy firing. It lasted till one o'clock PM and then it stopped. We could hear it very plain…..it was one continual roaring. It made the very ground shake". Continues marching and getting more guns and ammunition to defend himself. Nov. 6, 1864, Cedar Creek, Va. Discusses Church meetings and the Christian Commissioner. Going to winter quarters soon, in part: …."General Sheridan has a review tomorrow at 10 o'clock AM. It will be quite a sight….from twenty to thirty thousand men in all in one field, infantry, Calvary, artillery and all officers. We have got orders to have our gun and equipment all cleaned up to order and cloths brushed and hair combed, and come out in order….". Dec. 34, 1864, Winchester, Va. In part: …."one brigade of our division are detailed here to do duty for General Sheridan's head quarters. He has moved to the city of Winchester and the general hospital is here. The whole city is under military authority…". Continues to discuss going to a train for provisions, and that he is glad he is not in Grant's army. Hopes his family has a merry Christmas. Dec. 27, 1864, Winchester, Va. Has whiskey for Christmas! Feb. 6, 1865, Jarvis Hospital. Hospital content, moving men that are able to be moved, orders from General Grant to move men. Continues, in part:…."a heavy battle was expected every day with Grants army. He has ordered his men to be ready at a minutes warning, and they want this hospital for the wounded to be put here. I think if they have a battle it will be a bloody fight unless the reb's surrender….". Feb. 27, 1865, Chestnut Hill Hospital. Discusses getting paid and sending money home, in part: …."no danger of the reb's robbing or attacking the express from here. But if I was at Savannah I would not want to get all my pay for I would not want to carry it with me, it would not be safe to send it home from there for the Guerrillas watch every chance that they can get to rob the express….". March 9, 1865, Chestnut Hill Hospital, Phila. Discusses working on his house when he returns home after the war. March 27, 1865, Savannah, Ga. Discusses leaving Philadelphia and heading back to Georgia to Camp Sherman. Continues with picket and guard duty, and seeing Negroes. April 16, 1865, Goldsboro, NC. Marched back to his regiment, guarding a bridge with 300 other men. Hopes to be home by July 4th. In part: …."The good news that the Confederacy is gone down and gold is gone down and greenbacks gone up….". April 20, 1865, Goldsboro, NC. In part: …."yesterday afternoon we had the pleasure of hearing the good news read to us that the war was closed and all the hostilities ceased. It was a printed order from Grant and wanted officers and soldiers to take good care of ourselves….before the month of June is ended the whole rebel army will surrender and laid down their arms. All that there is is a few Guerrillas and they will soon be plaid out. We got the news here that Lincoln was shot dead. Some say that he is wounded and some say that he was shot dead. I hope it aint so, it would be awful if he was dead. I suppose it it is true you have heard of it before this time….". April 25, 1865, Goldsboro, NC. In part:…."last Saturday we got orders from Gen. Sherman that the war was ended and all hostilities had ceased and he wanted his soldiers and officers to keep themselves clean as he expected to march us through Washington in a few days….we are under Sherman now and further more that there was an order that all regiments that was mustered into service in 1862 must be mustered out of the service on or before the first of June….yes, we got the news of Lincolns death. It was as much mourning as it was rejoicing when Lee had surrendered. It is awful. I think if he had lived we would be home a month sooner….". May 14, 1865, Savannah, Ga. Tells his wife he will be home soon, and that the 1st and 3rd divisions have gone to Washington, D.C. A fine letter archive from an active regiment.
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