Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Norman J. Ray, Co. A, 33rd Mass. Vols., Thoroughfare Gap, [Va.], Nov. 11, [1862], in part: "…marched…some 10 miles. Bivouacked in an orchard. Rail fence went like hot cake…across the celebrated Bull Run battlefield and on the bridge that the Rebels blew up. We saw some…things laying around left left there at the time of the battle. Stones rounded up that the Rebels used in their cannons. The country looks as though destruction had swept over the country and I guess it has…camped within 2 miles of Thoroughfare Gap. Done some foraging in the way of killing pigs and taking corn for the teams…[the] horses live high…we had orders to march to Warrenton…expectations of having a fight there…orders to halt as the enemy had left…camp into a piece of woods (with the intention of acting as body guard to Genl. Steinwehr and guarding Manassas Rail Road)…we are the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division & 11th Army Corps. The brigade is composed of 134th & 136th New York, 73rd Ohio & 33rd Mass. commanded by Col. Smith acting Brig. Gen. This Gap has a small stream of water & a road running through it. It is the only place for some number of miles where artillery or baggage wagons can get through over the mountain. There is some 50 pieces of artillery and a few regts besides our brigade to hold it…[we] could hold it against half of the Rebel army…Burnside has gained the rear of Longstreet and that he was driving him this way…and then bag him in the Gap, but he has not come yet and probably will not…I am rough on hardtack. Our Regt commenced…to give our whiskey rations twice a week. It is vittals & drink to some of them…your Bro, Norman J. Ray". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG.
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