Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
Excellent content letter from George A. Clement, 31st Maine Infantry, to his sister Sarah. Dated April 17, 1865, Burkville Station (Virginia), 7 1/2 pgs., fine. Written shortly after the battle and capture of Petersburg, Clement recounts in this lengthy letter over several days, which reads like a short diary, in part: "Dear sister, Your very welcome letter of the 4th & 5th came in due time to be answered, but being on the move all the time since we took Petersburg. I suppose that you have heard all the news before this time. I will try to give you a sketch of this months time up to this date. This month came in on a Saturday. This morning we were turned out at 2 in the morning and stayed out till sunrise. Then went to our tents. Sunday 2nd, charge on fort haven, which was held by the Jonnies. There was 3 Co. of the 31st to storm the works. Co. L, Co. K, Co. C, we carried them and did not stop for the rest of core to come up....till we took 6 of their strongest forts. There the rest of the core came up to relief our Co. Co L. lost 17 in killed and wounded. Monday 3rd, in the morning we guarded then went into Petersburg. Tuesday 4th, marched from Petersburg to Burkville Station, some 15 miles. Wednesday 5th, broke camp at seven, Marchedseven miles then went on picket on the south side rail. Thursday 6th, struck tents at 11, marched to Nottway Court House some 15 miles. Friday 7th, in camp there all day. Saturday 8th, broke camp at 2 in the afternoon to guard 3 hundred & 10 Jonnies that was taken by the advance picket. Sunday 9th, march till we get to Welch Station, took dinner. Marched till we got to Wilsons Station. Monday 10th, stopped here all day. Tuesday 11th, Broke camp at 7 in the morning. Marched to Fords Station, there we were relived by dismounted Calvary. Marched within 1 1/2 miles of Wilsons Station. There camps for the night. Wednesday 12th, Broke camp at 7, marched to Nottway Court Hoise some 15 miles. Thursday 13th, Broke camp at 7. Marched 8 miles to Burksville Station, there we went in camp. Friday 14th, In camp at Burksville Station. Saturday 15th, In camp at Burksville Station. Sunday 16th, Inspection of arms. Dress parade at 6 in the eve. & what they call military. We have had a fine time guarding the Jonnies but it was a hard one, for we had to sit night and day and tend to our business. They did not make much fuss when we told them that Lee had surrendered, but gave three cheers and hoped that it was true, soon that they could go home, for they were tired and sick of the war. They are enlisting in the regulars for 5 years. Cousin Acy Merron say that he thinks that he shall enlist but I hope not. You wanted me to let you know who was our commander where I am. In the 2nd Brig 2nd Div 9th army Core. 9th army core is Gen'l. Parks. 2nd Div was commanded by Gen'l Potter and the 2nd Brig was commanded by Gen'l Griffin. It has changed some since then for Gen'l Potter commander of the Div was wounded at the charge before Petersburg and since has died. Now Gen'l Griffin has taken his place and Col Titus has command of the 2nd Brig. Maybe you have heard about the President being shot. I hope it is not true for it will keep us in the field some 2 or 3 months longer. Maybe that Johnson will close it quicker than Uncle Abe....Yours in haste, George A. Clement". A fine letter.
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