Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
War-date Union soldier's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Gustavus B. Williams (signed Gustavus), Co. K, 51st Mass. Vols., Camp Foster, Newbern, N. C., Feb. 25-6,1863, in part: "We were not allowed to remain at Mitchell's Place longer then…five days…Col. Sprague is now with the major part of the regiment 8 miles out of the city…the barracks are to be repaired,-better ventilated, white washed and bunks placed in the centre…there is some talk of the 51 being sent to Morehead City…Beaufort is called very healthy…was a kind of watering police for the wealthy. Our Co…very reluctantly left…as there seemed no likelihood of attack which Fonville, the Capt of contrabands feared. I distrust him very much. A traitor to the South he is liable to be one to us. He is shrewd and has seen a great deal of rough life…but the meaning of the word "Ought" is evidently unknown to him…the government would do well not to trust him. All our men…appeared to judge as I do…I saw several daisies along the road…the long breastworks …which Lieut. Pierce [Henry R. Pierce, 5th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery KIA New Bern, March 14, 1862] lost his life [?] most melancholy feelings as we passed them and I reflected that along our road came Burnside's men to a delay fray while we cheerful, singing, careless without danger…we may any day…fight and die as they did…". VG
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.