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. James N. Wilcox [MWIA Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864], Co. C, 81st New York Vols., Morehead City, N. C., June [July?] 10, 1863, in part: "…we had gone out on a raid…we left Morehead the second and went to Newburn on the cars, staid there until the forth when we got up…and started on the Trent rode [with[ about two or three thousand infantry and a battery of artillery…the forth was spent in marching about 25 miles. We stopped at…a large plantation that was deserted…ask George baker if he is acquainted with the road. I almost forgot to tell you that I was a pioneer. They go in advance of the whole line with the exception of one Co. of skirmishers in advance…they carry no guns but axes. It is a good deal easier marching there then in the ranks. We were called up at to o'clock the next morning…we went strait on to Trenton and then turned to the left at ufore [Beaufort] crossed in the middle of the city, went about four miles further there we found a bridge…we had to march back about half a mile to a fork in the rode. They, at night, sent a piece of artillery and three or four companies of infantry on the other rode…you had ought to have saw the fresh meat that come in camp that fore noon…I an to other fellows had just got very nice lamb…we heard cannonading ahead…the orders were fall in…with the pioneer in the advance of them. Started for the spot leaving one regiment in line of battle…we went about to or three miles when we came up…at the forks of a road…the troops…and pioneers of our regiment were ordered forward. There were two other pioneers out of our Co. and myself [who] said that they wanted to see what was to be seen so we went forward…the road run at the side of a piece of woods. We went on to the corner of the nous [Neuse]…when two shells came over from the rebus. One of them came…about thirty feet of me and bursted. The pieces flew full as near me as I wanted them to. It wounded a Colonel and one man. That night we started back and got here on the 8 safe and safe and sound. Except this from your son, Homer M. Wilcox. I was the only new recruit that was there". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Light soiling, else VG
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