2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
All to his father four boldly penned and one in pencil about to go into action written: (1). "ON BOARD STEAMER 'HERO OF NEW JERSEY' GOING UP JAMES RIVER VIRGINIA MAY 5, 1864"…then about to make landing and take active part in the operations against Bermuda Hundred, in the historic Petersburg campaign. Large single sheet 1¼ pages. He opens: "at last our corps is in motion. The troops are all light and ready for work the moment of landing. Col. Rush taken sick just as we received marching orders and remains behind…Lt. Col. Boynton in command…and I am next. We discarded the weakly [soldiers] and have 750 men efficient and able to endure [the hardships] of the campaign…I close expressing the hope that in the trials ahead I am to go through that I may come out an honor to you, my father and every way worthy of the confidence placed in me at home and here. If I fall, I trust that all will be well. We are in our Heavenly Father's hands…" Although signing only with first name "William," it is fully docketed in pen by his father on reverse mentioning his full name, a brief caption of what it contains and the date the father received it, May 10, 1864. Showing aging, but exc. Other letters all in pen. (2). From "Beaufort S.C. Jan. 30, 1864" 3½ pages. Suggests that if his brother reaches home soon "…I think the best thing he can do is to enlist. THE ARMY IS A GOOD SCHOOL. After all that is said there is little dissipation among officers and none among the soldiers. There can be none among them, at least no drinking." Also discusses benefits of the service for brother "Charley" …and mentions he is "president of a Gen'l Court Martial." He [and another officer] were selected to fence before the examining board… after 15 minutes without either getting advantage [his friend] "got cut but was the best man…one of the stars." Exc. With the usual "William" signature, but docketed by the father on reverse with the date of receipt and full name. (3). From "Near Hatchers or Ware Bottom Church, VA May 26, 1864." He opens: "We move again tonight. Whither I don't know. Probably upon the railroad in which case we shall have hot work. My health splendid, spirits good…this time I shall be in command of reg't. Hope I may behave well. We hear good news from Grant. We shall conquer this year…" Usual "William" signature with fine full docketing by father on reverse. (4). From New York City. Single page; bold penned; had just arrived from Boston and about to board the steamer for the regiment's transfer to Virginia campaign. Writes: "I send a private package home which don't open. Lay it away carefully. Do not open. It contains papers of value. Am glad I was left by my squad of recruits. I have overtaken those from my reg't." Usual signature and fine docketing on reverse by father. (5 & 6). Letters (single sheet) short; Jan. 16, 1865 and August 23, 1863 from Hilton Head, S.C. Writes of exchange rates and various financial matters to be handled and that his "…health continues good and I hope will through the sickly season." The lot of six plus photostatic copies of the regiment's history; it engaged in much combat action in numerous Virginia campaigns through to Appomattox. All six letters…
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