Raynors HCA 2016-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2016
War-date Union soldier's letter, 5 1/2pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. George S. Youngs, [POW Harper's Ferry, Va., 9/15/62], Co. G, 126th New York Vols., "Provost Guard Hd. Qrs., Second Corps near Burkesville, Va., Apr. 20, 1865", in part: "…we found Al enjoying his usual health…just as Charley [Andrews] and myself reached the road in front of Hd. Qrs. on our way the the 50th we encountered the 148th who have been lying in the vicinity of Appomattox Court House enroute for the junction…we had their company for about a mile…Geo. Beadles…was looking well…tho' somewhat exhausted with the marching…the assassination of the President and the attempted assassination of Secretary Seward and his son…having been reported here on the evening previous…was confirmed…it was officially announced to the troops through a general order from Army Hd. Qrs…caused a profound sensation of grief and indignation throughout the army. Hanging is considered…too good for the perpetrators of this cowardly and cold blooded murder. Minute guns were fired here yesterday at noon reminding us that the funeral obsequies of the President were then in progress…the excitement occasioned by the assassination is somewhat allayed and passing away. The question…recurs. What is to be done with the Army of the Potomac?…some assert we are going to Richmond, others that we are going to Petersburg…to Washington, to Sherman and about every other imaginable point in the Union. Some are very sanguine that all the troops who came out under the call for "three hundred thousand more" in 1862 will be mustered out of the service before the expiration of their time…a great deal will depend upon the progress which Sherman makes in the destruction of Johnston's army. It is reported…that Johnston had surrendered…it is understood that we are to move at six o'clock tomorrow morning. Whether the whole corps is to move…I have not been able to ascertain. Since the war is ended in this state nearly all the boys are uneasy and discontented. I have not been so much so in a long time. If we are to go anywhere I want to go…if we are to stay in this locality I want to know…so that I may content myself. About all feel the same way. Large numbers of soldiers who had deserted Lee's army previous to his surrender are coming into our lines and obtaining pardons. Large numbers of contrabands are also coming in daily. They are all sent to army Hd. Qrs (the Contrabands)…what further disposition is made of them I am unable to say…I was up to the front at the time of surrender…it is my opinion that but very few of Lee's soldiers are…displeased with the very slight prospect they have of ever being called upon to again take up arms…George S. Youngs." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG.
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