Raynors HCA 2016-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2016
War-date Union soldier's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. George S. Youngs, [POW Harper's Ferry, Va., 9/15/62], Co. G, 126th New York Vols., "Head Quarters, 2nd Corps near Petersburg, Va., Sept. 7, 1864", in part: "…a railroad which is being laid down between the City Point R. R. and the Weldon Railroad…passing close to our camp. An attack has been anticipated on our left flank for the last two days and still is still expected. The first and second Divisions of our Corps are scattered along the works they built on the night before last. They are in single file. A very weak line of battle…I am still gay and festive with every prospect of remaining so unless some careless Rebel should chance to hit me with either a shot, shell or bullet…a great many of the boys are of the opinion that the war will close this year whether McClellan or Lincoln is elected. They think if the former is made president that some compromise will be effected…and that if the latter is elected that the Rebellion will be so hard pressed that [that] coupled with the reelection of Old Abe their hope of successful resistance next spring will be so faint that they will be willing to accept such terms as the North can afford to offer. Now when Grant is holding Lee in Petersburg and Sherman has driven Hood from Atlanta…the gallant Farragut has effectively shut up the port of Mobile [some think] it may be a good time to recognize the independence of the Confederate States, but they are very few soldiers that can see it…I had not heard of the death of Will Edwards [148th New York WIA Petersburg, Va., 8/15/64 DOW 8/16/64] until you mentioned it…I saw him on the 30th July, but had neither seen or heard of him since…it was the 1st and 2nd Divisions of the 2nd Corps which were forced to fall back in disorder…at Reams Station on the 25th August…when a squad of new recruits come out now every body considers it his duty to steal all he can from them and abuse them…on the arrival of a new recruit at Camp Distribution, Alexandria he is taken in hand by the Veteran Reserve Corps or more appropriately "condemned Yankees"…one of the number throwing a blanket over his head while the rest search him from head to foot taking what money and other valuables he may…have. When he arrives at City Point he is sent with a cavalry guard to the Hd. Qrs of the the corps of which he is to be a member of. If the day is very warm and he is unable to keep up…one of the guard will carry his knapsack…he don't want to look for that knapsack when he arrives at his destination for if he does he wont find it…the provost guard will prick him up with their bayonets and ask him how much bounty money he got…that is too much for $100…George S. Youngs." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. A bit light, else VG.
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