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. large folio, written by Pvt. H. Arthur White [WIA Drewry's Bluff, Va., 5/16/64], Co. H., 25th Mass. Vols., "Camp Upton, Newport News, Va., Jan. 5, 1864", in part: "…I thought when I first sent those likeograph of Camp Oliver home that one…would be all that would be wanted…my ambrotype which I sent, the boys called good…I have been hearing from time to time of…my friends…to obtain a position in one of the new regiments…I do not feel so strong a desire to remain in the service as…my service draws to a close. I feel a strong desire to return…to peaceful life…I did not enter the service from any passing excitement or "War spirit" but with the firm determination to do my full duty to my country…I am free to confess that I don't think I shall be contented anywhere but in the service so long as the war exists…it might be interesting for you to know how many men of the 25th reenlisted from Leicester…just been up to the recruiting office and obtained a list [included in this lot]…I am glad that Leicester had the good sense not to send a man out here to reinlist to fill up the quota…the boys dislike very much to have their reenlisting aid [be] the stay-at-homes and…the government would have got more men of the old troops if they could have gone in independently of the men called from home. If the government wants men why not draft them…and put them into the field in such numbers as to overpower the enemy. The men now in the field would stand by the government…there are one hundred and ninety who have reenlisted in the regiment besides twenty six who have enlisted to be transferred…your "Soldier Boy" Arthur. Also included is the original manuscript list of names of the residents of Leicester, Mass. from the 25th who reenlisted in early 1864, 1p. 4to., Camp Upton, Newport News, Va., Jan. 5, 1864. Sadly everyone of of these men, except two who died of disease, fell victim during Grant's 1864 campaigns. They are: James S. Foster [DOD 2/1/65 New Bern]; Levander M. Gould [DOD 2/20/65 New Bern]; John Kirk [POW Drewry's Bluff, 5/16/64]; James Gahagan [WIA Arrowfield Church, Va., 5/9/64]; William Kenney [KIA Cold Harbor, 6/3/64]; Isaac Creed [WIA Cold Harbor 6/3/64]; Otis Cutting WIA Drewry's Bluff, Va., 5/16/64; Albert Stockdale [WIA Arrowfield Church, Va., 5/9/64 & Petersburg 6/15/64]; and Charles M. Ball [KIA Petersburg, Va. 8/20/64]. Interestingly White also notes, in part that: "Eugene Lacount [WIA & POW Drewry's Bluff 5/16/64] of Co. F has also reenlisted on condition that he be transferred into the 3d Mass. Cavalry which may not be possible, his enlistment will not hold good if he is not transferred." The original transmittal cover is included. Minor damp stains, else overall VG
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