Raynor HCA 2014-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Robert H. Crist (1829-1912), Co. F, 21st Indiana Vols., [later captain 1st Ind. Hvy. Artillery], "Alabama Cotton Press, New Orleans, La., May 24, 1863", in part: "…this is a sort of head quarters…2 Cos are still in Baton Rouge…the other 6 Cos are scattered along Berwick Bay…in case some Rebel gunboat should slip out of some bayou…they are looking for some English built rebel privateer…those 30 pound Parrot's throw a wicked shot. One shot went through the iron case mate and both boilers of the Rebel gunboat Diana that they captured from us…Capt. Semmes, son of Old Raphael Semmes of 290…was captured…2 Illinois Regts…went scouting and soon found the Rebs in their rear and found they must break for this department…they come destroying RR & bridges they…paroled 1800 prisoners and brot 300 into B. Rouge…they found 200 or 300 Reb cavalry guarding Baton R some 8 or 9 miles out…they report capturing the Reb pickets at P. Hudson…Genl. Banks does not fail to put Western men in important positions…Banks has made a very successful expedition…in Tuckpawa county…he has captured some 2000 prisoners, some 10,000 bales of cotton, 5000 mules & horses…all sworn enemies of the U. S. have to leave the city by the 15th, good Secesh are getting bolder veery day. I hate a citizen Secesh 10 times more than a Confederate soldier because…many are soldiers against their will…but a secesh citizen…deserves hanging…a great many…take the oath to save their property…I generally carry a 6 shooter and expect to use it…Col. now Genl. McMillam had lived there some time. They were a hard looking set, no wonder the [?] Regs at Baton Rouge took them for Secesh. There was some 300 contrabands with them. Each brot a horse and many leading on or two more. Everybody…is saying Bully for the Suckers [Hoosiers]…I send you 2.50 on the Confederate States of America…good here...from 20 to 40 cents on the dollar…". Much, much more interesting content. The original transmittal cover is included. Near fine.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.