2022-11 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2022
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written, on a rarely seen sheet of Abraham Lincoln patriotic stationery, by Pvt. Alfred A. Thayer, Co. B, 96th Ohio Vols., [n. p., but Newport, Kentucky, Sept.], Sunday 21st, 1862, to his wife, Annie reading, in part: "-I am tired just come off from picket about 2 miles from Camp and could not get one rebel. I was in charge yesterday across the [Cumberland] reverend Tom Parker went with me. I thought that I would tel you now how the people lives here. They don't raise no grain of any account. A little corn but I hant seen no other grain expecting garden potato-I never seen such a ugly country in my life, such hills and no water only for a muddy springs-we have to carry it about as far as Mr. Davis' except what they haul from the river. The roads run around the hills in the hollows and [are made of] fine stone rough as it is necessary to be-some of them the best roads I ever seen. They are as smooth as they can be. They are made out of some kind of limestone. They are as white as snow. There is two men out of each company detailed for artillery use in the fort rite in site of our company. The fort is a very large one. It is called Fort Mitchell [after the captain of Co. A, William Mitchell]-it is impossible for me to come [home] now. We drill one hour before breakfast that we call squad drill and then at nine. We have company drill till eleven. Then at 3 we have battalion till 5 o'clock and then dress parade that last[s] one our, then super-at half past eight role call at nine taps, lites out or go to the guard house. Gorge, we rote to you and directed to Frederick to come and cook for our mess. Jack says if you come go to his house and get a blanket. I think you will like it. The money is ready 18 dollars now per month. I want you all to keep up your spirits and do the best you can for I do that very little thing I enjoy myself pretty well. I would like to give you a litle kiss now. Direct to Newport, KY in care of Captain Leonard, Company B, Ninety Six Regiment OVI, Ever dear wife, good bye, A. A. Thayer." Thayer's phonetic spelling and loose grammar had been corrected. Light soiling, else VG.
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