Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A good war-date hopeful Union volunteer's, 2pp. foilo, letter written by Norman J. Ray, Lowell, Mass. July 19, 1862, in part: "…the only brisk thing going on here is enlisting for the new call of troops. Lowell quota is 397 rather a large No. after there has so many gone before, don't know how many they have got so far, but not over 150…the city is giving a good bounty $110 (if they enlist before Monday night next), state $25 and then the months advance pay making $148 which is pretty good to commence with. I have had quite a notion of going this time myself but Addie [his wife] will not hear to it, but I had rather go now than to be drafted and then go. Meserve (that used to work for So. Co.) is going to be a lieutenant in one of the new companies. [Actually, Harry Meserve enlisted July 12, 1862 as a private in Co. A, 33rd Mass. He was quickly promoted sergeant major in August and became 2nd lieutenant in October 1862.]He has been after me three or four time. I could get a sergeants berth in that Co. Have you heard anything from Oren [Pvt. Oren Ray, Co. A, 5th N. H.]…I wrote to his captain-directed it to Capt. Sturtevant or commander of Co. A, 5th N. H. [Edward Sturtevant was KIA as major Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862] Hope I shall get an answer in a few days…Norman J. Ray." The original stamped "Sargent & Co.'s Express" transmittal cover is included. VG
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