The 1864 Presidential Campaign Does Not Matter. The Fighting Will Go On.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017

War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. (with 1/2p. cross hatch) 8vo., written by a member of Co. D, of the 189th New York Vols., Weldon Railroad, Va., Nov. 6, 1864, in part: "…we left City Point tuesday…we find ourselves near the Weldon rail in the entrenchments near Petersburg…have got ourselves some good log houses…expect to have some fighting to do soon. We are almost [?] of the Rebel line. They have some pretty sharp picket firing everyday, but it don't amount to much. They had a sharp fight last night abut two miles from us…we have a large army here, but I am afraid the Rebs have enough to [?] us but when we try it we will find out more about it. We are in the second Brigade, first division, fifth Corps, Warren's Corps, Griffin's division, Gregory's Brigade. The army moved last week and tried to take the South Side railroad, but through some mistake one corps did not move as they were ordered and it proved a failure so they called it a reconnaissance and came back…we are about five miles from the road. We have got to go out on picket tomorrow. Then we shall have to look out for our heads…our Capt. is sick and at City Point…there is quite a number of our boys sick. We have lost one. His name was Lamb. You ask how Marvin likes it. I guess he is satisfied. I have not heard him complain…we have got a good Colonel. His name is [William] Hoyt [DOD City Point, Va., 11/08/64] & Lieut. Col. [Allen L.] Burr. He is a fine man…it don't interest me much [and] it will make but little difference who is president. The Rebs seem to be determined to fight as long as possible and that will be long enough to satisfy Smith or Greely…there will be another [draft] call after election…one company of our regiment looks about as large [as] any of the old regiments…large numbers of our men are going home to vote…write as soon as you get this rag." Complete, but unsigned. Minor insect chew on right margin, else VG

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