Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
A great group of Civil War soldier's letters from Private Amasa Hammond, Co. K, 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery and one from his friend Henry M. Smith. The group of letters include nine letters with the first being written from James Island, South Carolina on June 18, 1862 immediately following their participation in the battle of Secessionville, South Carolina where the Union forces were defeated in their attempt to capture Charleston. The final letter of the group finds them again moving against Charleston and was written, on "UNITED WE STAND. DIVIDED WE FALL." patriotic stationery, from Hilton Head, South Carolina on April 10, 1863. The letters, total 31 pages, all on 8vo. letter sheets, most with their original stamped transmittal covers, including four patriotic covers. This archive reads, in small part: "…[James Island, S. C., June 18, 62]…I now take my pen to let you know that I am well after…the battlefield [of Secessionville]…it was a horrible sight to see so many young fellows with their legs…[unusually Edward Steer who had just entered Hammond's tent adds some thoughts here.]…mangled in every form…so now I will finish. Edward came in just as I was writing about the wounded. Some had their hands off, some had their arms off, some with their head shot full off. Lieutenant [Isaac M.] Potter was wounded in the hand. We could not take the place because we didn't have men enough, but we have sent for twenty five thousand men and a siege train and then we are going to try them again…[Hilton Head, S. C., Aug. 15]…I understand the governor of Rhode Island has issued the orders to draft and if that is true you and the rest of the young fellows had better volunteer…[Hilton Head, S. C., Aug. 20]…there aint much sight of settling this rebellion. The sea clash is tough and bang like bull dogs, but General Burnside will come at them when they don't think of it and knock them in a cock hat…[Hilton Head, S. C., Sept. 26]…it seems that we have whipped them pretty bad at last [at Antietam]…Samuel Sweet was taken sick and died the second day. Edward Stear [Edward Steer whose letters can be found elsewhere in this catalog.] is happy as a clam…we expect to make a move soon towards Washington…[Henry M. Smith, Camp Stephen Only, Nov. 23]…how is all the folks around Gloucester. What do the folks think about this dam shiten war…I think it is about played out. I wish I was at home…[Hilton Head, S. C., Nov. 26]…it seems that you learned that we had a fight and you didn't hear…I saw the fighting but didn't get into it. Just as we got on the battlefield the rebels got reinforced so far that we had to retreat under the fire of the gunboats. It was the hardest sight that ever I saw except James Island. The dead and wounded laid along for eight miles. We gathered up what we could of the wounded and carried them onboard the boats and sent them to Hilton Head Hospital. That was the sickest fight for Co. K to be at James [Island]. Here is a few lines to that woman of my father's. You tell her that I know how much cigars is…I get alter every time…the mail comes in from that part of the world. I know what the reason is…[why] I don't get…letters from father. It is that dam moral page. You needn't be afraid to let her hear this talk…[Hilton Head, S. C., April 10, 63]…Edward is the hospital yet . There is not much of him being any better, but I hope that he will recover…he is drawer all out of shape. Ed has tried for a discharge…here is a line to my Uncle James Stick…don't [say you'll] get a gun and a knapsack…march down in S. C…I shan't believe it till I see you down here and then I shall think that the war is played out and the rebels has got their independence…we have left Hilton Head a week ago. We lay up to Stono River within 10 miles of Charleston City. Expect to make an attack everyday…".
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