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 "Charles" a member of Co. E, 132nd Illinois Vols., Columbus, Kentucky, June 10, 1864 addressed to Ellen "Nellie" Sherman, in part: "When we woke up this morning we found ourselves in Rebeldom for shire…there is some of the nicest plantations here…they was much nicer than I expected but nary Reb lives on them & darkes no end to them. I have not seen but 1 white woman since we landed. There is plenty of guerrillas in this vicinity. There was two of the hundred boys boys taken last week. They were fishing over on the Missouri side. They got too far from the shore & were taken that same night the pickets were driven in. They cant take this place. It is guarded to well. There is 2 large forts that commands a good view of the country…up and down the river. On the Ky side there is large guns about 20 rods apart…if any thing comes around they…could riddle it. It was one of the places the Rebs boasted that could not be taken…it is were the battle of Belmont was fought. There is plenty of balls & shells laying around the streets…it is reported the outside pickets has been shot at…we have orders to march. They are fighting about twelve miles from this place…our Capt…has orders to report to headquarters as quick as he can get there…the pickets…told me that they seen squads of guerrillas very often…he seems to think it is [Nathan B.] Forrest & his men. This place was taken from him…orders are [to] let all in but no one out & if a flag of truce comes to them. Send it back. If they don't go without any [?] shoot them down. You can judge what kind of place we are in. We have a full Reg & a good one but some poor officers…we had the pleasure of riding in cattle car from Chicago to Cairo…they were all drunk except Haskell if he had not been there would have bot been any 132 Reg now. It kept him busy to keep them from coming home…they are marching a Reg of darkens to sleep on alms [house.] That proves that the pickets were shot at…it is dangerous to run around after night. Two of the boys had to sleep in rifle pits they fell in and could not get out. There is two on every street & breastworks thrower up all around the out skirts of the town. There is three gun b oats laying in sight. They [Rebels] have been firing into some of the St. Louis boats. That is the reason the gunboats have been sent here…Charlie, See envelope in side." he original stamped transmittal cover is included and the inside, under opening flap, is inscribed, in full: "direct Clombus, Ky. Co. E, 132 Reg. Give my respects to all.
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