Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Sgt. Gustavus B. Williams (signed Gustavus), Co. K, 51st Mass. Vols., Evan's Mills, N. C., March 10,1863, in part: "…an expedition of 12,000 men under Gen. Foster are said to have gone somewhere by way of Pollksville starting a…week ago…a cavalry expedition also went out last week down the Neuse from Newbern, had a fight, some casualties capturing a dozen or more prisoners, doubtless guerrillas. One of these are taken in a barn yard dressed in women's cloths with a gun under his clothes, a commission from Jeff Davis in his possession and a protection from Gov. Stanley. The Cav. on returning to N…paraded this murderous villain in his female dress through the streets with a placard on his back with the words "One of Stanley's Pet Lambs." Why does our government enrage and insult its soldiers by keeping Stanley in power and cowardly villains like the captured guerrilla unhung? Lynch law would be righteously applied to a man who fought like him. The 25 Mass and other regiments are said to have gone towards Kinston and it is reported they have had a fight…the cavalry went down the Neuse…five companies from our regiment went out east from Newport Barracks [to] a point on the R. R. nine miles above Morehead…with three days rations…all these movements are no doubt developments of a grand plan of attack on Charleston or an advance by Hooker…the enemy is to have his strength tried at all points…we hear…distant cannon…and see firing signals at night…our little mule goes almost daily to the city…I have seen in Newbern a great many ladies and children. Officers bring their families here and enjoy life…we are to have a little hospital here have already procure from the Sanitary Commission sheets, pillows, bed sacks and various delicacies for the sick…Dr. Ames formerly a physician practicing in Holliston…enlisted as private inCo. B has been detailed as our Dr…". The last page is a bit light, but readable, else
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