Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Sgt. John G. Abbott [MWIA Battery Wagner, S. C., July 18, 1863], Co. D, 48th New York Vols. (Perry's Saints), "Ft. Pulaski, Cockspur Island, Ga., May 29, [62], in small part: "…we was ordered to go to Ft. Pulaski leaving one Com. on Dawfuskie on picket [so] Co. B was left…we arrived at the dock where their was no boat…the Delaware came and Coms D, F, I & H was ordered to embark…the rest of the Regt stayed all night in the old Plantation houses which was close to the dock…we was on our way to the Ft…we arrived at 12…we was all disembarked at the South Wharf…which is about 400 ids from the Ft. and is connected with it by a plank road…we soon found we had to camp outside the Ft. for the 7th Ct was inside…we marched up to the Ft and stacked arms and the Col. selected our camp ground which was close to the north wharf and about 200 ids from the Ft…we get all of our cooking water out of the Savannah River which is quite fresh at low ate, but it is to warm to drink…the Ft. is of brick 5 sided and can mount 170 guns…but the water front is almost battered down and the inside of the Ft. is all scaled. The walls in many places torn down, the doors shot away, 5 guns dismounted, port holes injured…they are repairing it now but they can never make it as good as before and a few Monitors would be better than several such forts. There are 15 Rebels now in the Ft. They was sick when the rest was sent north…they are a hard looking set of fellows…I have been talking with them…we have a rumor now in camp that the Monitor is at Charleston and that Sumpter has surrendered……". Abbott's original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG
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