Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union officer's letter, 7pp. 8vo., written by Lt. William M. Thurston, Battery F (Ricketts), 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, "Hd. Qrs, Baty F near Petersburg," [Va.], July 1, 1864, in part: "…my appetite is better than anytime since the campaign. Our rations are still improving…we recd a barrel of sauerkraut from the Sanitary Commission this morning…this is the first we have recd from that source…the war will soon terminate…the James river at City Point is near…2000 ids wide and deep enough to admit the passing of a large stern boat. It is a beautiful river and the scenery on its banks is grand…the surrounding country before the war afforded many pretty homes. Inhabitants have mostly fled to enjoy the hospitalities of Jeff and Co. In most of the houses the furniture was all left to the mercy of the hated Yankees. Some of our unprincipled men have destroyed and broken it all to pieces. I noticed a good farm turned to fragments. Our men kill all the chickens, sheep and cattle they can find. Nothing can escape that is fit for a man or beast to eat. We can plainly see the spires and domes of the buildings in Petersburg. The city is beautiful, situated on the Appomattox river, twenty two miles from Richmond. When we will enjoy the privilege of parading the streets I am unable to say…I must compliment the Sanitary Commission. I think they are doing a vast deal of good…I do not think the goods are intended for the well men only the sick and wounded…W. H. Thurston." A bit light with one modern tape repair at fold split, elseVG
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