Raynors HCA 2016-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2016
War-date Union soldier's Rappahannock Campaign letter, 5 1/3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. George S. Youngs, [POW Harper's Ferry, Va., 9/15/62], Co. G, 126th New York Vols., Brandy Station, Va., Nov. 9, 1863, in part: "…I was on picket again and as the picket received no notice of the entertained move, until we got orders to move back to camp very quietly, we had no breakfast until night…during the entire day we did not halt long enough to make coffee making as wearisome a march as I ever had…I could hardly put one foot before the other…it was a very general complaint. I never saw the boys so lame before…we march…down the R. R. to Warrenton Junction turing there to the right and following the road to Bealton Station then we turned…left and took the road to Kelleys Ford. About two o'clock the Rebs were found and artillery firing commenced. The 3rd Corps was in advance of us and a few cavalry…we reach a point so near the fighting that the skirmishing was very distinctly heard…not more than a half mile from the river…we were not called into action, but marched into a piece of woods and told we might make coffee. I was too exhausted…but lay down to repose…it is said to be 25 miles from our camp which we left in the morning…at an early hour on Sunday morning we were aroused again and soon after crossed the river on a pontoon bridge which had been laid the night before…we were drawn up in a line of battle and stacked arms. Skirmishers were deployed from the 2nd Division and that division and the 1st followed them in line of battle. Our division laying back. The other divisions…advanced nearly a mile, halted and stacked arms…our division received orders and moved off to the right up the river…while we were laying back there Gen. Owen called the brigade to attention and announced that the 5th and 6th Corps had crossed at Rappahannock Station taking 100 prisoners and four guns and that the 3rd Corps had crossed at that point (Kellys Ford) taking 800 prisoners, but no guns…and proposed three cheers for the 5th, 6th and 3rd Corps which were given with a will. We marched about four miles when we came up with the 3rd Corps, halted and made coffee. Heavy firing again after resting about an hour. We slung our knapsacks once more and started on. After marching about two miles we came out on the road leading to Culpeper C. H. from Rappahannock Station and not far from the latter place…yesterday was the third time that we have crossed the Rappahannock…there was considerable fighting yesterday…there is much heavier guns along and the 8th Corps joined us last night…the whole of the Army of the Potomac is laying in line of battle here…I do not know where the other divisions of our corps can be. Probably they are advancing by some other road…George S. Youngs…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Bit light, else VG.
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