Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Sgt. Major Marquis L. Holt (signed M. L. Holt with rank), Co. E, 3rd New Hampshire Vols., "Before Petersburg, Va., Sept. 8, 1864," in part: "…there are a good many of the boys sickening now and being carried to the hospital and as a regt we have had more sick men since we came here…we are employed…in fixing up our camp and building 'Bomb Proofs' for our safety for when the rebs open their batteries. We get a pretty good showering of shot and shell and unless we have something to shelter…we stained a chance to get hurt…the rifle bullets whistle through our camp and now and then some one gets hurt. Two or three nights ago one of our company was laying in his tent and [a] bullet come and passed through his hand, entering at the last joint…of the little finger and coming out at the same joint of the fore finger thus spoiling his whole hand…there has been only two others wounded in the regt. We had a grand ball this forenoon and pretty exciting too…the rebs got their mad up about something and opened with vengeance…as a Capt. of the 7th N. H. V. was setting eating his dinner a large mortar shell came and struck very near him and covered him and his dinner…with dirt…not to be cheated out of his dinner…he sat still and finished it…this is a great place for persons who are seeking adventure and excitement…no doubt…the people at the North think this is the greatest siege of the war…but regard[ing] engineering and danger it does not compare with the siege of Morris Island…when they do open. There is too much ground to play onto…as they used to [as] at Wagner…we must die, but because I am hourly…exposed to death, it is no reason why I should sooner die than if I was away from all danger…please address thus…in case the regt was scattered. M. L. Holt Sergt. Major 3rd N. H. V…". Near fine.
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