Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Gustavus B. Williams (signed Gustavus), Co. K, 51st Mass. Vols., Polksville, N. C., Jan. 19, 1863, in part: "…after a little delay the…43, 45 & 51 with a regm't N. Y. Cav. and a battery…started from Newbern. We marched at an easy pace…we took the quick step and for nearly three hours hurried along at a great rate the…sticky clay…we were stopped…that a bridge near this place might be built by the pioneers…next morning…four Cos of the 51…were ordered by Col. Amory to remain in this village (a few house and a store) till further orders. One Co. was detailed as pickets…and the rest…for an inner line of pickets…the remaining force…have gone on…firing has been occasionally heard some miles distant…I carried only my gun and ammunition and a canteen with a little water. Isaac my black had three blankets (when it grew hot. He also took my overcoat.)…and two haversacks with our provisions. When we halt he is at hand…and quick to build a fire, make coffee, cook meat, bring water, do anything while I rest. At night he brings rails for the fire, grass or cotton for my bed. Then looks out for himself. Yesterday Pvt. Freemen, H. Fuller Washburn and C. Steere with two drakes put up a nice shanty. Isaac and 'Joe' brought straw for bed, cotton from a neighboring barn full for a pillow and we five slept…sung as we could ask…I & J have killed two pigs fours…the houses and barns near [are] mostly deserted, have furnished material for huts…we are left…to hold the bridge…the others go back…we started in another direction at once…came next day to Young's Cross Roads. They went to Newton…[He ends his letter here, then he continues on Jan. 22 when back in New Bern]…our expedition was successful. The day I wrote you we marched eight miles towards night came on a rebel picket, were fired on and halted…near…'Young's Cross Roads' till yesterday morning…we took the cavalry…who reconnoitered and skirmished all the while…have 4 or five prisoners and brought in about 130 contrabands…I have had to clean myself up and draw rations. A great wrk. The darkey grew sick but brought my blankets. I paid him .50 the usual price besides board…". VG
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