20 page Letter from this 44th Massachusetts Soldier

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

Autograph Letter Signed, Joseph H. Capen, 44th Massachusetts Infantry, 20p. octavo, pencil, with cover, Camp Stevenson, Newbern, North Carolina, December 21 through January 1, 1863, this lenghty letter is wonderfully written, in small part: “...we went down to the river and discharged our guns. We took the opportunity to fire at a buay 900 yards off, the extreme range for which our guide sights are adjusted, and there were a good many excellent shots made in the company...[on Christmas] The barracks was tastefully decorated with holly, evergreen & military emblems & implements. It was a very interesting service...We had breakfast & potato from govt. an apple pudding which we had made by a negro lady who does our washing, named Aunt Locky (who also makes us occasionaly some nice griddle cakes, which remind us strongly of home)....I also saw a funeral of a solder. This is a very touch sight and one calculated to lead to reflection to one unaccustomed to such scenes, but the soldier is apt to think little of them when he sees them often, as in fact we are at home. The procession is led by the drummers with muffled drums, beating very slow time, followed by the guard of eight soldiers & a corporal if the deceased is a private, with arms reversed - then cam the body in a baggage wagon (in this case) or hospital wagon, with the pall bearers on either side, followed by those who desire to follow the remians, formed in reverse order with the officers & chaplains last....We had brigade drill under Gen. Stevenson, who appeared with his star, Gen. Foster having brought his commission as Brigadeir from Washington. We had blank cartridges issued to us & practised firing....Gen. Wessel was present & witnessed our drill. You would hardly take him for a general. He is short, thick set man, pretty well advanced in years, and was on foot wearing an over coat & army felt hat in rather a slouchy manner..We have had the first death from disease in our regt...a cook in Co. G...He was buried yesterday PM, the whole company attending the funeral...It was a solemn sight. The coffin was in an ambulance wagon, covered with the American flag...” Much, much more. VG.

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