Raynors HCA 2016-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2016
War-date Union soldier's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. George S. Youngs, [POW Harper's Ferry, Va., 9/15/62], Co. G, 126th New York Vols., "Provost Guard Headquarters., Second Corps Before Petersburg, Va., Dec. 18, 1864", in part: "…another request has been sent…to Gen. Humphreys to have us returned to the Regiment…it has been returned disappointed, but Capt. [John B.] Geddes is determined to ry again…I witnessed the execution of three deserters on Friday…two of them were members of the 7th N. Y. (our brigade) and the other was an unassigned recruit of the 5th N. H. Desertion to the enemy have been very frequent and numerous of late…it has become very necessary to make an example of some of them…another one is to be hung on Friday next. Evening since writing the above three more prisoners have been brought in under sentence of death. They are all members of the 5th N. H. [Canadian George Bradley 5th New Hampshire deserted Oct. 15, 64 at Petersburg and was executed on Dec. 23, 1864] and their crime is the same, desertion to the enemy. They are to be hung on Friday…there was a presentation of medals of honor to men of this Corps who have captured Colors from the enemy. The presentation was made by Gen. Meade. It was a very pleasant occasion and to one unaccustomed to military displays would have been a splendid sight. Two members of the 126th received Medals. One of them was a member of the Guard, W. E. Bishop [actually, George H. Dore who saved the 126th's flag from capture during Pickett's Charge and Jerry Wall who captured a rebel flag at the same time at Gettysburg] will probably be home soon as he is to be mustered out of the service. The Regt. having been consolidated into five companies…consequently Co. G is no more. The first five companies holding their letters and Co. G being part of Co. E. There is only one private of our Co. now in the Regt, that is Fred Seasar [Frederick Senner WIA Gettysburg. Promoted corporal 2/16/65] He would have been corporal long since if he had been able to talk english better…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.