2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
A great war-date Union NCO's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by 1st Sergeant Allen S. Mansir, Co. A, 10th Massachusetts Volunteers, on "Brave in the field" Winfield Scott patriotic stationery, "Headquarters 10th Regiment, Mass. V., [Kalorama Heights, Camp Brightwood, D. C.], Sept. 6, 1861", to his cousin, in part: " - I was out four miles from camp towards the Rebels on picket duty accompanied by 1 corporal, 8 privates. We could hear the drums in the Rebel camp. Our post was at an Episcopal Church. We occupied the seats for beds - service was held in the church in the afternoon of Sunday. Sum of us attend church taking our best friends with us (our guns) - sum of the people was not aware that soldiers [were] near them until they arrived at church - we should have an engagement before many days. Col. Briggs told me this morning that General McClellan went over the river into Virginia day before yesterday with twenty five thousand men - he thought we should have a fight within four or five days and the Mass. 10th is one of the regiments - selected to wade in - the battle - the next battle will be at Chain Bridge, a point about 6 miles from our camp. We keep two days rations of meat cooked ahead now all the time so that we can go into battle with a plenty to eat - we keep in readiness night and day - we can form the line of battle in five minutes and be ready to march in ten minutes - with the help of God I hope to live through the battles and return to Monterey once more - direct to A. S. Mansir company A, 10th Regiment Mass. Volunteers, D. C. - Allen."
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