Raynors HCA 2015-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Corp. H. Arthur White [WIA Drewry's Bluff, Va., 5/16/64], Co. H., 25th Mass. Vols., Newbern, P. O., Oct. 11, 1862, concerning the death of his friend George Kent whose death was so impacted Capt. J. Waldo Denny that he wrote about it at length in his 1879 regimental history "Wearing the Blue." Interestingly, Kent is listed in the Civil War database as dying from wounds received during the battle of Roanoke Island, in part: "…I write to send a letter of Capt. Denny to Geo. Kent's mother announcing his death which took place yesterday 6 1/2 A. M…we thought that perhaps it would best to have you prepare her for the announcement…I took Geo. to the Hops. the night before he died. He had no idea he was so near death…he left no word. He was out of his head most of the night but became quiet towards morning and was dead before they were aware of it. I cannot write more now. I am well…your aft. son, Arthur. P. S. I think Geo. had good care…one of his tent mates is an attendant in the Hopt. and would do all that he could and several of Co. H were close by in the next beds. From all that I could find out he died quietly and said nothing to those that were around him…as soon as we heard of his death Lieut. Foster and myself came down and did every thing that could be done. The funeral took place today at 10 AM. Rev. Mr. Rouse conducted the services. Mr. James being sickout Beaufort. He was buried with military honors. Co. K doing escort duty. Co. H being on picket duty could not leave their post. The bearers were all Leicester boys from the Regt. I don't know any of thing that could be done more than was. I shall look over his things and send…all that I think they would want…Geo. K. told me the morning he was taken to the hospl. that he had not written to his folks for quite a little time and wished me to write to them and tell them how he was. We little thought what it would be my painful duty to communicate. Yours, Arthur." The original transmittal cover is included. VG
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