Raynors HCA 2015-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015
War-date Union soldier's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Sgt. Moses M. Ordway, 40th Mass. Vols., Petersburg, Va., Aug. 24, 1864 to his brother, in part: "…we are still in the trenches and likely to stay…for some time…I went out on picket night before last about thirty yards in advance of the works. We were in holes dug in the ground…the pickets never fire on each other during the day. If a man has his head above the breastworks he is pretty sure to get picked off but at night we march boldly out of our works and post pickets and they do the same. Sometimes we make an agreement not to fire and then all jump up on the works and sing out to each other…when they…commence firing they will always give us warning. The boys often go to the same field for watt…which lies between the two works…the Reg is pretty well reduced…only 400 men for duty. We have three commissioned officers. I am in command of Co. I…I have got…just six. Frank Nichols and Lt. Currier are detailed for sharp shooters…direct 1st Div., 3rd Brigade, 18th Army Corps…Moses M. Ordway.". The original "DUE 3" transmittal cover, endorsed by Adjt. Charles E. Whitney [WIA Drewry's Bluff, Va., 5/16/64], is also included.
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