Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A rare war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written on an unusual 21st Indiana regimental officer's political, religious and occupation affiliation letter sheet, by Pvt. Robert H. Crist (1829-1912), Co. F, 21st Indiana Vols., [later captain 1st Ind. Hvy. Artillery], Baltimore, Nov. 3, 1861, in part: "…I am still around with my head above the mud and water…we are now across the…bay from Fort McHenry…we are some 50 or 60 feet above the bay. The fort is 30 or 40 feet above us. The fort has been built since we came to Baltimore. I don't know the number of guns it mounts as there are none up yet…many of the guns and carriages are in the fort…we have recd our blue uniform, cap, coat and pants…our Co. has new guns…they are the Belgian Rifle. They are not of much account. Our sharp shooters, skirmishing party is broken up so we gave up our Enfield…the Union people of Baltimore have sent a big petition…to Washington to have us remain till the war is over…they say the 21st Ind. is the quietest, civilest regiment…there are several Maryland Regts…here and the Police have from 10 to 15 of them in the station house every night…there are berry few foreigners and rough character enlisted in the first regts…General Dix says if they will leave him the New York 5th (Duryea's Zouaves), they are in fort Federal Hill and the 21st…he will take care of the city. Dix has about 700 men…with these forts…and Fort Carrol…[the] Secesh will hardly venture to trouble Baltimore…". Printed on the final page is an officer list from the 21st Indiana unlike any we have seen. It not only lists each officer's home county and occupation, but also their political and religious affiliation. The regiment consisted mostly of Republicans and Douglas Democrats, with a few American Party members and Breckinridge Democrats. Not all officers listed their religion, but those who did included a Presbyterian, Universalist, and three Methodists. The printed stationery, reads, in part: "…THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST of the commissioned officers of the above named Regiment…the Counties they came from, the Trade, Profession or Occupation they followed, the Politics they voted, and the Churches they belonged to prior to their entering the service of the United States." A for instance includes Col. James W. McMillian, who was promoted brigadier general in May 1863. He was from Lawrence County, a merchant and had voted the Republican ticket in 1860 while 1st lt. Charles D. Seeley of Company A, was from Elkhart County, a mail agent and had voted the Democratic Ticket in 1860. Near fine
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