2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
Union Chaplin's 4pp., letter comes with the original cover, written by Henry A. Wheeler who enlisted on 11/21/1862 as a Chaplain, was commissioned into Field & Staff PA 17th Cavalry . Datelined Camp near Stafford C.H. Va., Dec. 24, 1862, to his wife. In part, "The last time I wrote we were Occoquan. We left there on Sunday and came to Dumfries ... where we saw Rebels had their picket fires, only a short time before. ... We found the remains of large fires where the Rebels had burnt the goods and wagons which they captured at Occoquan Creek. They burnt them because we were so close ... they could not carry them all the way. The envelope in which I send this letter is one of a number which I found at the place they burned the goods. ... The country is poor, very few inhabitants. No cattle ... Some few weeks ago, some soldiers encamped here built log huts, then left in a few days. I have one of the best of these. It is about 8' x 14' ... tick filled with straw ... a large old fashion fireplace and plenty of wood to burn ... Christmas Day tomorrow. Shall try to, preach ....."
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