Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
War-date Union soldier's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Charles E. Putnam [KIA Williamsburg, Va., 5/05/62], Co. H, 2nd New Hampshire Vols., "Bulls Neck", July 19, 1861", in part: "…we are now about six miles beyond Fairfax waiting for orders. We started yesterday…the firing, but the hottest lasted but an hour or two and was all over when we got within about three miles of them but perhaps you get all the news by the newspapers. Should think you would by the number of reporters that are here. As for myself I am tough as a whip. I like being on the march…but anyone that never saw an army on the march came not form much of an idea of what it is when we got into Fairfax. The men in for plunder. There was a lawyer's office near the Court house. I thought of you and wished I could send…the books that were destroyed there. It looked too bad to see them take them for fire wood to make tae and coffee…the post office was thrown open and everything cleaned out. It was rather amusing to read some of the letters…it is against orders to take poultry or pigs …Gen. James Wilson came on with us. Says he intends to keep with us. He is a nice old man. We call him the Father of the N. H. 2nd…Gen. Burnside is a splendid officer and we flatter ourselves thwart we are not much behind any of them. Our picket guards took three prisoners last night…we have suffered for the want of good water. By using filters we get along very well. The Rebels are going to make a stand at Manassas Junction. We shall…have a brush with them…the men are all in good spirits and anxious to get a chance to fight. If they will only let us we will drive them into the Gulf of Mexico. As for the country here I am disappointed…it is not…like New England. We march miles without seeing a decent house and the land is too poor to bore white beans…the commissary has just had orders to serve out three days rations …we shall be on the march in a few hours. The artillery has gone on…perhaps before this time tomorrow we shall be called into action. If my life is spared you will hear from me again. If I shall fall in a good cause please tell Father Folx that you have heard from me …". First page is a bit light, else VG to 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.