Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union soldier's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by Corp. David F. McGowan, Co. I, 47th Illinois Vols., "Camp Rienzi, Miss., Aug. 14, 1862", reading, in part: "…the heat here is stunning. we can almost boil potatoes without any fire…I should judge Minnonk would look very lonesome when all her businessmen leave [for war.]…I think I can see them lying on their straw thinking of the pleasures they are leaving behind and trying to imagine what the future has in store for them…I hope they may have a much easier time than we have had. We have orders to stay in camp…as the Genl. expects an attack…we are pretty much prepared for them and they are welcome to come as soon as they are fit. We have been expecting them for some time. It is very tiresome work looking for the enemy everyday…you know what it is to be kept in continued suspense. I have quit looking for them all together…the contrabands are coming in pretty fast. We have one in our company as cook…how I spent the Fourth…I was out looking at the artillery practice. They fired a good many rounds. One of the guns went off prematurely and hurt one of the men very badly…he lost a hand…probably through his own carelessness but that is poor consolation for the loss of a hand…we…have drawn the tops of several young trees together which makes our covering. We have a board platform for a bed…and live like princes…we have pretty heavy guard duty to perform…if I had Fannie's double revolving etc, etc, gun I would go down South further and kill the rebels all by one fell swoop…D. F. McGowan." VG
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