Raynors HCA 2016-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2016
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4 1/4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. George S. Youngs, [POW Harper's Ferry, Va., 9/15/62], Co. G, 126th New York Vols., "Camp near Union Mills, Va., Jan. 1, 1863", in part: "…we belong to Casey's division and are supposed to be guarding Washington. We are the outposts…of the rebel raid on Burkes Station three miles above Fairfax station…cut off Washington. Last Saturday night a force of mounted infantry [of about] 300…made a decent on that place, tore up the railroad track and cut down the telegraph wires. What other damage they did I do not know…I was detailed for picket…the whole brigade had gone off toward Fairfax so…we could not be relieved. They are trying to intercept and capture them, but failed…as they do in everything else. We were at McLean's ford and it was supposed they would attempt to cross there, but it is said they went round by Harpers Ferry…Capt. Aikens does not look as well as he did…he is not so frightened by everything he sees or hears when out on picket as the other captains…he is not afraid to have a little fire…a number of boys say…I like to go out on picket with Capt. Aikens. Do you here anything of a report that we are not yet exchanged. Mart. Stanton…wife wrote that we were not exchanged…if it should be so we are in a ticklish place…the boys…say I am fat enough to kill. I suppose we were whipped worse at Fredericksburg than we have been since the war began. I know it was nothing to laugh at but I was obliged to do so when I read that it took father's appetite…I would like to know what would prevent a soldier from eating his dinner for that is what he lives for…George S. Youngs." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.