Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
Good content letter from George A. Clement while serving with the 22nd Maine (Clement later served with the 31st Maine), Camp Banks, Baton Rouge, La., February 16, 1863, 4pp., light age, else fine. Clement writes to his sister Sarah, in part: "I expect a letter from you every day in answer to one that I write at Ship Island on board the S. H. Spaulding. It is a sickly time in our regiment at this time. There has been some 38 died since we left Camp Pope, Bangor, Me. It was called the largest regiment that ever left the state, but it is now small. There is only 309 reported for duty....the rest is sick. There has been 5 died in Co. A, which is more then they will average. There has been a battle some 15 miles below here by the 133rd New York, 8 Connecticut, and 2 La. The 133rd lost nearly one half of their men. They were engaged as scurmesciers when they were saluted by a mast battery in the swamp which mowed them down like grass. They soon rallied on the reserve when they opened a deadly fire on the battery causing them to retreat. And the 8 then charged on them while they were retreating and captured the gun, the fort....and took the gun and dragged it by hand to the waters bank where they all retreated in good order. Then the gun boat played shot and shell over their heads, which made them skedaddle for home. They took some 200 or more prisoners and some 25 horses. They was sold by government today for most nothing. They have not been troubled yet any more. It is reported that the 12 and 22nd is a going down to relieve them....". A fine content letter.
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