Written while on his way to meet the enemy at Fredericksburg.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

Lengthy two page (8 x 10) letter (each blank on reverse) penciled in a neat, small, easily readable hand by Captain Augustus Goldermann of the 17'th Maine Infantry to his wife from "CAMP NEAR WARRINGTON [sic] VA NOV. 7, 1862." Acknowledges receipt of her letter "while on the march…very difficult for us to receive or send letters while… on the march. You spoke of sending me something to eat. I should like it well enough but it is no use to send…costs great deal…and then most of it spoils and part we do not get. Coffee, tea I have enough of. Cranberries would be nice but do not send until we get into winter quarters. We are probably on march to Richmond although we have taken a very roundabout way to get there…camping today in a driving snowstorm. I am writing in my little shelter tent. We are allowed only a shelter while in the field…just large enough for two… been marching two weeks…we left Fort Carrol marched up to Sexton Hill in Virginia where we stayed four days…marched back to Maryland over Long Bridge after Stuart who made the raid to Penn…stayed at Edward's Ferry and then crossed the Potomac at White's Fort, marched to Leesburgh [and then to] Millville and Middleburgh from there to White Plain station on the Mannassas Gap railroad and then through the mountains to this place. We passed General McClellan near Ashby's Gap. THERE IS AN IMMENSE ARMY IN THE FIELD…camped last night in an immense field… a grand sight…boys went out today and got 100 bee hives…had a feast after living on pork, coffee and hard bread. …I hear we are going to Gordonsville. Gen. McClellan, Burnside and Hooker were at Salem yesterday. DO NOT HAVE ANY FEARS ABOUT ME, I SHALL LOOK OUT FOR MYSELF…I write in great haste, we move in the morning." With full signature. Some light staining on margins and through center, not obscuring any wording. A very minor short tear at edge of fold. Normal aging. Exc. and very clear. Fine letter accompanied by photostat of regiment and history with his name included.

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