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 8pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Gustavus B. Williams (one signed Gustavus B. Williams the other signed Gustavus), Co. K, 51st Mass. Vols., Newbern, N. C., Jan. 11, 1863. The first is to his wife and reads, in part: "…we are to start Tues morning with three days ration…the river was full of shipping…troops have been coming here every day…we number perhaps thirty-five thousand…with artillery unknown…a great many batteries have been put on board ships…great preparations…have been making for a fort night past. At least a hundred men of our regiment are sick…I do not dread this expedition much…I mean to hire a darky to carry my things…to make the march easier but I may fail of course. The last march was hard because I was sick from beginning to end…the Capt. is very well and will go with us…I have…full confidence in our field officers…let me caution you against unfavorable newspaper repots…the men reported wounded in the 51st at Whitehall were scarily scratched and kept marching with their companies…I wrote Lieut. Howe's will for him the night before we started for Kingston and he mailed it to your father…Harvey Fuller lost his temper and got into a little scuffle with the cook Washburn…they made up promptly, but it was taken up by Lieut. Howe. Fuller was tried by a court martial and reduced to the ranks and fined $5.00…he has the sympathies of the whole company…[the second letter, 9 1/2 oc p. m., to his sister]…tomorrow will be a busy day…we march on an expedition with five days rations. Where we go we can only guess…a great deal of shipping is here and we may not have to tramp as before. Artillery is loaded on ships and gunboats…certainly…toil and danger awaits us but I go cheerfully determined to do my duty…direct to 51 regiment Mass. Vols. ..". Both overall VG. 200-300
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