Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
The Women are The Worst Secessionists In Baltimore. A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Robert H. Crist (1829-1912), Co. F, 21st Indiana Vols., [later captain 1st Ind. Hvy. Artillery], Camp Dix, Baltimore, Sept. 5, 1861, in part: "…the shop keepers in the city are Union to one man and Secesh to another, anyway to sell their wares. The women are the worst Secessionists…I procured a pass and went up cross the ferry, took a horse RR and rode the length of the city…went up in the neighborhood of Washington Monument…160 feet high…it is marble. It is in the most aristocratic part of the city…most of the city is old and presents a decapitated appearance…similar to the poorest part of New York City…most of the streets are well protected by shad and ornamental trees. The dwelling houses, like Philadelphia are built close up to the side walk. The cellar or basement extends 2 or 3 feet above the side walks. The houses are plain. The population is in the neighborhood of 225,000…we are still in the same camp…one detachment of 75 is off guarding the Columbia to Washington [railroad] …about 60 of our regiment is in the hospital…4 died in less than a week…the physician is of no account…many of our regiment are boys…and know nothing of taking care of themselves…if the friends of the sick could see know they are used they might loose some their Patriotism…many of our boys have no coats, none have vests…the soldiers tents are made to hold 6 men. They cover a space a little over 6 feet square…the officer's tents are about 9 feet square…[Crist then draws a few sketches of the various tent designs]…". The original transmittal cover is also included. VG
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