Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A fateful Union volunteer's letter, 2pp. folio, written by Norman J. Ray, Lowell, Mass., August 6, 1862 who enlisted the day after this letter was written in Co. A, 33rd Mass. Vols. Within a year after writing this letter he would be dead from disease on June 16, 1863, but not after passing through the horrific battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, in part: "…well Mel, I will tell you what it is those that do not enlist…[that] will be drafted and to guard against that…I shall enlist. They go to drafting here for the first call of 300,000 after the 15th inst and they have about 100 more men to enlist to full up the quota for the first call…if they draft 400 more for the last call I don't see how many of us there will be left as there is so many that are exempt from draft and then there is another class that will not go if money will prevent it. If I was sure that I would not be drafted I would wait and let some of the rich ones pay me for going, but there is no sure thing of that. The City are now paying to Vols. $1100, state $25 in advance and one month pay…as an extra inducement making $153.00 to start and besides this Addie can draw $4.00 per month which is called the soldier's relief. Morse (usually called Zake) [Pvt. Ezekial R. Morse, enlisted 8/8/62 Co. A, 33rd Mass.] one of the S & Co's. [Express agency Sargent & Company] drivers, Mr. Paul [Pvt. Cornelius Paul 8/09/62 private Co. A, 33rd Mass. Vols.] one of the messengers and Charley Richardson [Pvt. Charles H. Richardson enlisted 8/31/62 6th Mass. Vols.] now running to Salem will all go if I will and Daniel Eaton [possibly Daniel W. Eaton of Haverhill who enlisted 8/16/62 in the 50th Mass. Vols.]…will go with us as he hailed me today and wanted to know about it…he said he talked to Lizzie about going. After the 15th the City stops paying a bounty and if I go I want that bounty and I think that a enlisted man will get back as soon as a 9 month drafted man. I suppose mother will think I had better not go, but I think if I don't enlist that I shall be drafted. Addie is feeling very bad about it, but she says if I say go she will not say no…Addie is looking over my shoulder while I am writing this…she says she is keeping up an awful thinking. She says tell mother that she said I should not go, but it is done no good…Love to all, Norman J. Ray…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG
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