Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A good early war-date Connecticut volunteer's letter, 5pp. 8vo., written, on the U. S. Capitol stationery by Philip & Solomon, by Pvt. Edgar C. Sterling, Co. D, 1st Connecticut Vol1s., Washington, [D. C.], May 23, 1861, part: "Proceedings from March [April] 23, thursday morning leave camp with James Breckinridge [of Waterbury] to the Union House, then to an [photographic] artist, then to camp. The regiment formed into line and the colors present[ed] to the Waterbury Company…march through town Long Wharf [New Haven] amid cheers and shouts. Gone on board the Beinevelle bound to Washington…we had comfortable quarters…we had many parting cheers. I stood on deck and watch the crowd whare many a friend stood…[April 24]…began to…rain…in torrents. There was a good many sick as soon as the boat began to tost…the waves rolled high and tosted the boat nicely…we were then off the shore of Maryland but being so far from shore we was not able to see how it looked…Chesapeake Bay saw several man of war. At 4 o'clock P. M. we was in the Potomac with Maryland one side and Virginia the other…passed Mount Vernon about 9 o'clock and Ft. Washington. We received cheers from the fort…in sight was Alexandria. The first we saw was a Sesion Flag waving from the Custom House. There was a large man of war lying at the wharf of the United States Navy [yard]…in sight of Washington. We anchored about half way between the two places and the Colonel [Daniel Tyler promoted brigadier general May 13, 1861] went to Washington came back President Lincoln and Gen. Scott. We hoisted anchor and land[ed] at the Arsenal and a splendid place. We stayed there one night…next day we marched for our encamp[ment] and it being a warm day a good many was not able to stand the heat and so they had to be carried in hack…". VG.
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