Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
A good war-date Union soldier's letter (one incomplete letter on Gen. John Dix patriotic stationery while the complete letter's second half on patriotic Pennsylvania motto stationery), totaling 11pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Isaac S. Taylor [KIA Antietam], Co. D, 11th Penn. Vols., Warrenton, Va., July 8, 1862, to his cousin Laura J. Morgan, reading, in part: "…since the last I we were ordered to Warrenton. It is a most beautiful town surrounded by a fine country as I ever saw and has [an] abundance of good, clear, cold water the first we have had in many weeks. The water we had heretofore was most execrable, causing a great deal of sickness among the brave fellows, but now we are but a short distance from the Sulphur Springs which have been…a great summer resort for the gay belles and beaus of the Sunny South. There are a great many soldiers concentrating here…as soon as a sufficient number of troops from the North are obtained…we will be sent on to Richmond to reinforce Gen. McClellan's brave army of heros…the army is advancing as fast as possible under the circumstances. There are obstacles to overcome which our fiends at home can have no ideas of…the rebels throw every impediment in our way…whenever we march we must commence building bridges, which they burn, to get our supplies…we had to build three large railroad bridges between this place and the [Manassas] Junction before our provisions could be sent to us, but our hardy boys set to work and in one day and a half had them all done. One of them a hundred feet long. The people here are very bitter against us. The ladies tell us they will soon drive us away again. One lady said if we weever took Richmond the streets would be stinking with dead Yankees, as they (the rebels) would fight as long as a man was alive. That is…the finest and most lady like women talk and often much worse. I saw Wiil Thurston (see his letters offered here in this catalog) a few days ago. He looked well, but I have not seen James Morgan since we left Fredericksburg. He is now at Richmond and perhaps has met a soldier's death there as the Reserves were in the last weeks terrible fight and terribly cut up. Out of 10,000 men only 3,000 now answer roll call. It is awful to think of the loss of life [that] has been unparalleled since the days of Napoleon…every battle is another Waterloo. I hope the God of mercy will soon stretch forth the olive branch of peace over our struggling and bleeding country and quell the demon of Rebellion…it is very hot weather here. Many a poor fellow I see on duty nearly fainting with the excessive heat…Isaac S. Taylor." First page a bit light, else VG. ... plus, The second letter written on General Dix patriotic stationery appears to be the last part of a longer letter, and reads, in part: "there are many Secessionists here but mostly found among the upper classes and large slave holders. A beautiful wealthy and accomplished young lady…a few days ago expressed the wish "that the whole Burnside Fleet would be sunk and every Yankee soldier drowned"…this I am convinced is the secret sentiments of…nearly all in this place. The citizens will not speak to, or notice us, except [when] we first address them and then they answer with freezing politeness…we are not very welcome visitors here…what a change has come over the American people that once used to boast with pride of our great Republic which now many of them are seeking to destroy…I feel it an honor to be a soldier in the army of the Union and if it is my fate to fall…I feel it will be sweet to die for my country…without regret I would lay down my life in such a sacred cause…my brother [Robert B. Taylor also killed in action at Antietam] joins me in sending our kind regards to your father…your affectionate cousin, I . S. Taylor." Both Isaac and Robert lost their lives at Antietam. They are both buried in the Antietam National Cemetery, Isaac in grave No. 3,635 while brother Robert lays in grave No. 3,675 Both Minor soiling, else VG
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