8th Massachusetts Officer Writes of his Election

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005

Autograph Letter Signed, Lt. David W. Low, 8th Massachusetts Infantry, 4p. quarto, though actually 8p of writting as Low as gone back to the space between lines and written an additional 4p. upside down, on fine 36th Congress lettersheet, May 10, 1861, he writes in part: “....Capt Center was detailed as officer of the day inside the Capitol and I was ordered with the Co. to the grand guard around half the captiol...During the night my guards arrested about 25 officers & privates & marched them into the Guard tent under a Corpl. Guard mostly from the Pennsylvania Regt & Brooklyn N.Y. Regt. for being out after tatoo (10 oclock) the Officers I reprimanded & sent to their quarters...the rest had to remain...were reprimanded by Capt. Boardman....There is several refreshment booths around the camp, also Negro Women & White Women & Children with their baskets of Cakes, Pies, Apples, Oranges, &c...we were well received to the Mass 6th Regts...There I had a chance to see the Steam Gun which was captured by the 6th. it was a curious looking thing...We had an election of Officers the other day. I was chosen 1st Lieut.; Story 2d Lieut; Harry Clark 3d Lieut; the last was the one chosen in New York by the Sappers & Miners & this election was to entitle him to a commission as Lieut...E.W. Hinks promoted to Col. Major Elwell promoted to Lieut. Col. Ben. Perley Poore elected Major...Report is here that Brig. Genl. Butler has been promoted to Maj. Genl...” VG.

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