Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
Rare war-date Union officer's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Lt. William M. Thurston, Battery F (Ricketts), 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, "Camp Hancock," [Va.], Apr. 14, 1864, concerning the commissioning of Belle Reynolds a major in the Union army. Gov. Yates of Illinois appointed Reynolds as a major in the 17th Illinois Volunteers in recognition of her heroic service during the battle of Shiloh, in part: "…we had a battery drill and I have been busy all day. The mud will soon dry up…I have enclosed a photograph of Maj. Gen. Warren…he commands the 5th Corps…he is the best man in this army. He is brave and kind to all…Bell Reynolds is commissioned to the rank of major in the Cavalry regiment mentioned on this card. She acts in the capacity of a surgeon. The Govt. has the power to commission a lady as a surgeon, providing she is capable to fulfill the position. There is another young lady here with the same rank. She is a skillful surgeon. I forgot her name…she belongs to the 88th N. Y. Her father and mother are both in the army…W. Thurston, Baty. F…". A bit light, else VG
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