Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Norman J. Ray, Co. A, 33rd Mass. Vols., Camp of 33rd Mass. Vols. near Falmouth, Va., Jan. 27, 1863, in part: "…we thought we were going to see a little fighting last Wednesday, but a rain storm prevented us. We knew something was up a fortnight ago as we got orders to keep three days rations on hand…last Thursday…while we were on battalion drill we got orders to get ready to march "double quick" and in about an hour…our brigade started down the river past Fredericksburg some 6 miles…it rained 2 nights and days almost all of the time…a good many of the boys laid down on the ground with niching but their rubber blankets to cover them…I slept in a Sibley tent with some officers. We went down to support a battery. They had orders to commence firing at 6 o'clock Wednesday morning on the Rebs centre to draw their attention while our troops crossed the river on the right and left flanks…there were 80,000 troops that were going to cross. If it had not rained we should heard some noise Thursday…we had some 10 or 12…batteries there…I for one am sorry that it rained…their shells would not have reached us…after 2 days rain it is almost impossible to move here for the mud. We marched back here…all covered in mud instead of glory…I have got a fine boy born Jan. 5th, a 9 1/2 pounder. I wish that I might see him. I would give all of my old boots if I could. Addie and baby are both doing first rate…she named him Edwin Albert. Edwin for her brother that was killed on the Railroad…I suppose you have heard of Burnside's resignation and that Sumner and Franklin are called home. I wonder what all of that is for, for Hooker [is] in command. I guess they are going to try them all…I think they had better…let the general in the field have the whole command and [let him] do as he is a mind to. If Washington was out of the way for three months this Rebellion would be driven into the ground. This is the way I look at it…love to all, Norman J. Ray." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG.
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