Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union officer's letter, 8pp. 8vo., written by Lt. William M. Thurston, Battery F (Ricketts), 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, "Hd. Qrs. in the field in front of Petersburg," [Va.], Aug. 25, 1864, in part: "…quiet prevails along our entire front save a few picket shots and an occasional shell whizzing through the air…we must be constantly on the lookout lest we should be surprised and our army destroyed. The lines are so close it requires the greatest vigilance and watchfulness to avoid disaster. In many places not more than fifty paces remain between the two contending armies…we go about as though we was performing our daily labor…it involves mysteries and danger and possibly takes the lives of many good men, but such seems to be the fortunes of this cruel was…I often think if our leaders get as tired of war as we they would…avoid all such difficulties and live a life wholly devoted to peace, harmony and christianity…a man by the name of [William W.] Waples a member of our battery died mysteriously [listed as bilious cholic] last week. He complained of pain in his stomach. We had a pretty little doctor. He gave him chloroform and opium to put him to sleep. He went to sleep never to wake until the resurrection…was a corpse in few hours…he lived in Danville and leaves a wife and some small children to mourn his loss…we intend sending his body home embalmed…as soon as possible…I send you a group picture which the boys presented to me…it is a splendid for so many together. They cost $10. per doz. but it did not cost me anything…they are all members of our battery. I will name them from left to right. First sitting M. Goldrick, killed May 5th Wilderness; [2nd Lt.] Johnny F. Campbell, Phila.; [Corp.] Pr[iestley] Harder, Danville. O[ney] F. Sweet…John H. Downing…Charles Sibley…W. Thurston, Battery F, 1st Pa. Arty, 2nd Corps…". VG
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