Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A good pair of war-date Union soldier's letters, 3pp. 4to., written by Pvt. James A. Hudson, Co. H, 1st New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, Martinsburg, Va., Aug. 15, 1863, to his cousin, in part: "…my company is body guard for Genl. French. A good position for regulars, but it don't suit the 1st N. Y…it is to much like being Laqueys. They will…be ordered back in a short time…I doubt if you have a more loyal town anywhere in the north than this Martinsburg. True there are some Rebs, but the majority are staunch Federals and here a soldier is treated like a human being. A thousand percent better than in the Capitol of Pennsylvania…what luck our Reg. had in getting out of Winchester. 25 to 30 will cover our whole loss. More than twice this number escaped after being made prisoners. All of my company that started from Berryvillehave turned up beside 5, and of these, 3 we know to eb prisoners. When the Rebs came on to us in the Valley, Milroy's whole effective force did not exceed 6,000 including our Berryvile Brigade. At Martinsburg we numbered less than 1200. Milroy is called a coward by a part of the Northern press & is now being court martialled in Winchester. When the proceedings of this court are published…a history that will be no disgrace to our arms. Our old Col. McRenyolds commands here. He has a little mixed brigade (infantry, Cav., & Arty.) and a few guns. There are a few bushwhackers about, but our duty is light…our much respected friend the P[ay] M[aster] has not visited us…may the bushwhackers get him & the 1st N. Y. his money chest…J. A. Hudson…Martinsburg, Va. 4 P. M. August 15th, 1863". VG .... plus,Also included is a, 2pp. folio, letter "Camp near Martinsburg, Va., Sept. 28, 1863," reading, in part: "…reinforcements for Rosencrantz are passing through here day and night. They all stop here and victual up. No news in the Valley. A scouting party is looking for [Confederate Guerrilla Harry] Gilmore…J. A. Hudson…". Irregular top margin with light toning, else VG. (2 letters)
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