Raynors HCA 2015-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015
A good war-date Union volunteer's letter, 3 1/2pp. 8vo., written, on patriotic Ira Harris Guards stationery, by new recruit Harlan P. Martin, "Camp Scott, Staten Island, Sept. 24, 1861," to his mother concerning his rejection from service on account of his size. He would soon be mustered into the 7th New York Cavalry, in part: "…Thursday last we were mustered in and I did not pass muster…some of the other boys from Granville would not take the oath and were drummed out of camp…I was not big enough for a soldier. I have been waiting here for the captain…he came and I saw him. I am going as his hostler. The cavalry will be kept for 3 years. I shall go for hostler a year or so and then join it as a private…we are encamped…about 2 miles from Fort Lafayette where the Secession prisoners are kept…the rest of the company have got their uniforms. Capt. Lyon is going…to New York and he is going to get me a uniform…whether we get the horses here or not I do not know. There are three different camps on this ground our cavalry, a company of artillerymen and a company of Sickles Brigade…we have a fine view here looking out on the bay ships coming with full sail on looks very nice…address Harlan Martin, Stapleton Staten Island. Care of Capt. Lyons. Ira Harris Guards, Company G…". VG
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