Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union officer's (unsigned) letter, 5pp. 8vo., written by Lt. William M. Thurston, Battery F (Ricketts), 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, "Camp in Fort Stedman, Va.," Oct. 16, 1864, in part: "…church bells in Petersburg have been sounding the appointed hour for worship so distinctly I thought at times of going…then I remember that quite a barrier lies between here and there especially for Grant's army but great preparations are going on which must result in the capture of the city on the loss of a good portion of our army…it will be fierce and long, but we will hope for the best. I see nothing now…the army must winter in the field and we will have another summer campaign. Lincoln will be elected as sure as can be…if Pendleton was out of the ticket McClellan would get a much large vote in the army…I know it to be the case…soldiers think that Pendleton is too much in favor of Davis…the cry among the soldiers is we want peace but honorable and [we] will fight for it until the bitter end. Take McClellan as a War Man. He would sweep the army with a large majority, but with Pendleton and Chicago platform he will not get the majority. The men in the army say we have fought too long and hard to shrink form the contest now. I could not…look upon my dead comrades and say we would abandon the cause for which they so nobly fell…the present administration has been silly in the extreme and I cannot support it. There has been a needless sacrifice of life and treasure marked the progress of this war. Justice demands a just retribution upon the responsible ones and the only way I can repay them will be at the ballot box…I am a McClellan man, but not like many others. If we lose the election I…will support our cause. It is the duty of every patriot though we may differ as regards politics. We should…be willing to fight for the Stripes and the Stars…I am proud that the old Key Stone State has done so nobly…she will roll up a handsome majority for Little Mack…Reuben sent me my tax receipt, but I did not need it as I was judge of the election which entitled me to a vote. I have sent the returns…only tow votes both Democratic. P. S. S. The election is close. I cannot close my letter without saying something about our gallant little Mack. I hope him all the success…I pray that he may be elected but I see no possible chance. I hope all many work for him. Had I the influence, or the power…I would spread the truth to this great people and warn them of their fast approaching doom. I can see the dark clouds…which must soon banish all future bright hopes…God forbid this [?] calamity and save us as a nation and a christian people." Light toning, else VG
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