Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
Lengthy Union soldier’s letter written by Thompson Zahniser who, on 10/30/1861 he mustered into "F" Co. PA 57th Infantry; and was Mustered Out on 6/29/1865 at Alexandria, VA. Zahniser was a member of Company F of the 57th Pennsylvania Infantry and spent all 4 years with the 57th advancing to the rank of Sergeant. The 6pp letter to Brother is datelined Head Quarters Camp Winfield Scott April 29th, '62. In part, “There was quite a skirmish the other morning before day light. Our regt. was out in line of battle… The Rebels tried to take one of our rifle pits but they did not succeed in doing it. The Massachusetts boys took 18 prisoners and one piece of Artillery.... A balloon reconnaissance is made every day viewing the rebel’s batteries. They have 3 tiers of batteries which mounts 800 guns. They are strongly entrenched. Language fails me to tell you the amount of work our army has done within the last 2 weeks in the line of making roads, breastworks, rifle pits, batteries, bridges etc. ... McClellan is busy viewing the roads and breastworks. He is a nice looking man, wears a privates overcoat. ... The battle of Pittsburgh landing was bloody & nothing gained by either side. It was nothing but the hand of Providence saved Grants army. As Corinth will be another desperate battle. ... I have no doubt as to the result for I think our Army will be half slain before they will suffer a defeat. 2 Ohio regts. were disgraced for their cowardly conduct at Pittsburg Landing but the Illinois & Indiana boys did well. .... There are Halleck Foote, Burnsides, Buell, Grant & Pope have covered themselves with immortal fame in quelling this cursed rebellion.”
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