Raynors HCA 2015-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Harlan P. Martin, Co. E, 123rd New York Vols., Sister's Ferry, Savannah River, S. C., Jan. 31, 1865 to his mother, in part: "…we left Purysburgh…on the 27th…and followed up the course of the revert Rogersville which place we entered day before yesterday skirmishing through the town with rebel cavalry. Rogersville, S. C. is a neat little village 4 miles east of here consisting of 40 or 50 houses, church, store etc. We are now 95 miles from…Savannah loading with rations & stores and preparing for the campaign…when…we will cut loose from all communications and have a speedy, sharp and decisive campaign. The teams are to take 15 days rations. We carry 5 days ourselves and what we can forage on the country. We may possibly be over a month before we reach communications again. We do not know what place we shall strike for some think Augusta, Ga. and others Charleston, S. C…our forces…are scattered all over the country between here and Beaufort, S. C…to deceive the rebels and draw their attention from the real point of attack…the citizens have fled to safer parts of the Confederacy on our approach. They know retribution is close on their heels. They generally take all able bodied niggers, cattle, horses and stock with them. Property is little respected in this state and in some cases houses and out building are burnt, but in most cases private dwellings and property is not disturbed…to take whatever is eatable which after both armies has passed is left very desolate …a good many niggers hide out in the swamps till we come up old men, women and children are left behind and in some cases all are left. They have childish confidence in us, poor ignorant beings. They are to be pitted. I have actually seen slaves who were…as whit above the mules and horse in intelligence…they are very pious and God fearing whenever we pass their best wishes and prayers are with us. I like to do them a kindness. It seems as if they never had a kind act done to them…before leaving Rogersville this morning the slaves on the plantation where we were encamped came out to our camp and sung hymns and prayed for us. The negro that prayed, although he could neither read or write was smarter than a good many ordained ministers I have heard. My candle is all but out…H. P. Martin, Co. E, 123rd N. Y. V., 1st Brig., 1st Div., 20th A. C., Sherman's Army…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG
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