Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
A good pair of war-date Union soldier's letters, totaling 7pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Charles E. Putnam [KIA Williamsburg, Va., 5/05/62], Co. H, 2nd New Hampshire Vols., on their getting prepared to go to war, in part: "…[Camp Constitution, Portsmouth, N. H., June 13, 1861]…I like my new situation quite well…I don't think there is a man that went into Capt. [Ichabod] Pearl's [resigned 8/12/61] company that would leave for any other…we have got our position in the regiment as the collar company…Bill is to work in the cook house. He will stay there until the regiment leaves and then go home. He is doing well. He gets 1.50 a day besides what the state pays him…Thursday eve. Maj. Wate has just arrived here from Boston. He says they have engaged two steamers to take us to Washington…[Washington, June 26]…have not drilled at all since we came here…there is a few soldiers about here…you can look anyway…and you will see tents…and there is more coming every day. There was five regiments come here yesterday, one from Wisconsin [the 2nd Wisconsin future Iron Brigade.] That was Bully. There was 1,400 men and hard looking fellows too. There is a report that the Southern commissioners are here to settle the thing up before it goes any further…they are getting sick of it…wonder if it was all hushed up without fighting…there was an alarm and the regiment were all called out…Co. H was the first on the line. I was sound asleep when the alarm was given. The first thing I heard was the Capt. hollering 'turn out.'…he is a good officer. If we had as good field officers [actually their colonel Gilman Marston became brigadier general in 1862] as he is Capt. [Ichabod Pearl resigned 8/12/61] we should be better of than we are now…he is the most capable officer in the regiment…coming through Baltimore…some thought we should have trouble…but everything was all quiet. After we got fairly started they gave three cheers for Jeff Davis. We had our guns loaded and were already for them…I suppose you heard of Lieut. [Charles W.] Walker…falling off the cars coming out [on June 21 in New Jersey]. If some of the officers would drink a little less liquor it would be better…if he had been sober…he would have been alive now…". Both VG to near fine (2 letters.)
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.