Raynors HCA 2015-08
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Homer S. Sackett, Co. H, 2nd Conn. Hvy. Artillery, "Near Warren Station, Va., Feb. 17, 1865", to his brother Augustine Sackett, in part: "…never since I joined the army has things looked so favorable for peace as now. Just before the Peace Commissioners came over desertion was the work the reb soldiers liked & many…came in nearly every night…now we are where they came the fastest then &…since the peace bubble burst they have revised the trade…three nights since 4 came over…to the picket post…I had quite a chat with them. They said the privates were all right & that they could come over by squads in a few days. The next night 24 came in on the 6th Corps front…then tonight a whole regt would come in. Tis a dark night & good one for the business. They bring along their arms & accouterments for which Gen. Grant pays Green Backs. One of the first questions they ask is shall we have to join your army? That seems to be the bone…stuck there by their God forsaken leaders (I had better said drivers) when told how they could find employment under Government or have free transportation to their homes, if within our lines, one of them says "how I wish the boys all knew that." One of our boys spoke of reading Jeff's Proclamation [for] "another day of humiliation, fasting & prayer" the cheer that followed that quaint remark would make a northern copperhead tremble…Grant has been extending his lines some 6 miles farther to the left. The 2nd had a hand in …we remained back to support Fort Howard in case Lee tried t break through…but he was not fool enough to try that. Our camp is now just west of the Weldon Rail Road about half a mile to our right is where the Johnnies made so many attempts to retake the road. Their skulls & dry bones are now bleaching on the top of mother earth, sad mementos of that terrible struggle. One of the greatest curiosities [here] is Grant's Military R. Road…there is but two or 3 places where a single hollow is filled or hill cut through…there are places where a long train will stretch from one hill to the other…they say the warren R. R. is being agitated say it can go shall never doubt Yankee skill again…H. S. Sackett." The original stamped transmittal cover, addressed: "2nd Asst. Engineer, Augustine Sackett, U. S. Str. Mattabasett, Albemarle Sound via Fortress Monroe & Roanoke Island.", is included. VG. 200-300 83. "Our Poor Famished, Naked Soldiers at Last Are Being Exchanged." War-date father's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Homer Sackett, Warren, Conn., Feb. 22, 1865, to his son Augustine Sackett, in part: "…though excluded from the more active scenes this winter…you are filling a place that is thought necessary…and I hope may not be taken by surprise on account of the enemies long delay in coming…the Union cause seems to be progressing. I hope the end of this desolate war draws near but expect a hard battle must yet be fought. If the Union army is victorious the Rebs must give it up…our poor famished, naked soldiers at last are being exchanged. What barbarism has been practiced by those…in that school of torture…we now possess Columbia & Charleston S. C.The Rebs nest seems to be stirred…Homer Sackett." The original stamped transmittal cover, addressed: "Augustine Sackett, 2nd Asst. Engineer, U. S. S. Mattabasett, Albemarle Sound, via Fortress Monroe and Roanoke Island.", is included. VG.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.