Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A great war-date Union sailor's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Yeoman's mate Lewis O'Neal, USS New Ironsides, "off Charleston, S. C., Aug. 29, 1863," to his brother, in part: "…if we are successful in taking Charleston we get our discharges but little trouble…all men has to put up with some disadvantage in wartime…good news from Charleston. Everything looks favorable. We are waiting for a dark night to [?] the obstruction in the channel and run the gauntlet to the city. If they do not surrender we will burn the city down to ashes. Fort Sumter is most gone at this time drawing her last breath of wind. The side facing Morris Island is completely cut into. Fort Wagner is so closely besieged that we cannot fire lest we will kill our own men…they are trying to undermine it…the New Ironsides has fought the 12 battle and in all has been successful, not a man has been killed…but a great many are dropping off from…sickness of different kinds. The enemy's shots & the strangling smoke & the confinement whare we can get no air is very hard on us in battle…to get on deck whare we can breath a little air it seems like relieving us of a heavy burden. At evening after coming out of battle I retired to the store room whare I am employed and there have a good wash with fresh water. Fresh water is the dearest thing that can be got here, the men having to wash in hard salt water although it is the most healthy…it does not take the dirt off so clean. Mr. Wilkener is the yeoman of the store room & I am his mate. He would do anything to accommodate me…this ship is not flag ship anymore…". The original stamped transmittal cover, addressed to the sutlers of the 20th Mass. Vols stationed at Kelly's Ford, Va., is included. Near fine.
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