Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
A good early war-date Union volunteer's battle letter, 2 1/2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Ira F. Gensel, Co. I, 25th Penn. Vols., [2nd Lt. 4th United States Regular Infantry, MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Camp on the Blue Ridge above Harpers Ferry, July 5, 1861", in part: "…I was an eye witness to a fight last evening. Early in the morning the rebels commenced re-enforcing Harpers Ferry. They at once began to throw up embankments and plant cannon. Our men stationed on this side could not stand silent…one words brought our men to arms. They fired on the New York men in our division which was returned. It continued until dark. Three of our men were wounded and one killed. This morning…another of the men died last night. Poor fellow. I saw the one fall dead. He was shot though the heart and the first man to take me by the hand yesterday morning when the cars arrived at this station. He now sleeps the sleep of death…our encampment is now on the highest point of land and commands the whole country. The farmers in the neighborhood are very kind and will send us anything we desire…I went to a farm house to buy some eggs…and I found the farm house filled with Union loving citizens of Virginia who had been driven from their houses. Among the ladies was quite a number of refinement and education. I had quite a long chat with an interesting young lady…poor creature she was almost frightened to death. She was so anxious to see some of Uncle Abe's men that her mother came up to our camp to see the men. They were most pleased. I am invited to dinner with them and will do so if we do not get marching orders. This morning quite a number of men and women from Virginia are here, walking about among the soldiers. They are all glad that we are here. We did not march into Harpers Ferry last evening…we are awaiting the arrival of more men. A lady just from the Ferry says that 4 rebels were killed & six wounded…Ira F. Gensel." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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