2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
A great war-date ink inscribed Union soldier’s 4pp. 4to., letter written by Pvt. Luman E. Baldwin, Co. B, 121st New York Vol. Richmond, Va., May 21, 1865 concerning touring Richmond at the end of the war during their march home, in part: “…we arrived here…from Burkesville…en route to Washington…we have a long…march before us, but I can do it willingly…our work is done and well done to. At last, this cruel war is over…Poor Jeff…will have to hang on that sour apple tree yet…we all went to the city [Richmond]…went to Castle Thunder and Libby prisons, Capitol, Jeff Davis’ mansion…the…business part of the city is burned down…when the rebels evacuated the place. Richmond was once a very pretty place but it is very much dilapidated now…the men…seem to be more anxious to get home more than ever. They know that their work is done…enclosed you will find a sprig [included in the lot]…plunked from the ramparts of Fort Darling. When this was first broke out. The Rebels made their brags that the grass would be growing in the streets of N. y. within three years…the grass is actually growing in the streets of Richmond that I have seen…”. Fort Darling, located atop Drewry’s Bluff on the James River was constructed to defend Richmond in May 1862. Original transmittal envelope is included. Baldwin originally enlisted in 1862 in the 16th N. Y. Vol., and fought at Antietam, and Chancellorsville before serving with the 121st during Grant’s Overland campaign. Very good.
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