Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A great war-date Union artilleryman's letter, 8pp. 8vo, written, on patriotic stationery, by Pvt. Thomas Corwin Potter, [MWIA Chickamauga, 9/20/63 both his arms were blown off by pre-ignition of his cannon, buried Chattanooga National Cemetery], Silver Springs, Tenn., Nov. 16, 1862," to his sister, in small part: "…you wished to know what the term of unlimbering guns mean…a gun carriage is composed of two parts. The limber and gun carriage. The forward wheels on which the ammunition chest [is] mounted and to which the horses are hitched is called the limber. The rear or hinder parts are the gun carriage on which the cannon is placed and when prepared for action the stock or trailer…which is hooked onto a large hook on the limber is unhooked and dropped to the ground. The gun is ready for action. That is what is called unlimbering a gun…to limber up is the contrary and is done by two men taking up the trailer and hooking it onto the pintle hook…then the gun is ready to be moved…you wished to know what the term Tiger means…when a lot of soldiers are giving three cheers. After the third cheer is given one and all shout =Tiger=with a vengeance…when shouted by a large crowd [they] gives a very peculiar sound that cannot be imitated by any other…now sister dear do not be uneasy about Wm. and Homer. To be sure they have their risks to run [the draft] but it will not help the matter and if all of us should get killed…you must consider that there is hundreds of such mourners…think of the many families in the border states that are divided, some of the family in one army and other…in the ranks of the others, but I am perfectly willing to run my chances for life or death in this national race…the fear that you entertain of Wm's not being able to live south of Mason & Dixon's line is entirely unfounded. He may go south and enjoy good health…Charlotte wrote me that he and Homer [is] in the 107 reg…rest assured that Mary will not accompany him…the army is no place for a woman. We rec. papers…stating that England & France have recognized the Southern Confederacy and sent our minsters home…let it be. We will make it pretty lively…for them…we have a powerful army and many will not humble ourselves to the combined powers of the earth…if England and France come into the game blood will flow in earnest…hold on to your help mat. If he is the right sort of a man keep him out of the service as long as possible and when you are obliged to give him [up] why keep up your spirits…I suppose Charlotte would like to send out her man and have him shot [and] few would be the tears…if we had the horse…you speak of we could soon subdue him. We kill a great many fine horses. Artillery service is very hard on horses…our mail is frequently intercepted by the guerrillas…". The letter's original stamped patriotic transmittal cover is included. VG.
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