Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
War-date Union officer's letter, 3pp. 4to., written by 1st Lt. Arthur Sidney Nesmith, 3rd New Hampshire Vols., "Head Quarters 1st Brigade, E[ast], C[oast], Port Royal, S. C.", March 22, 1862, to his sister, in part: "…our 3d Regt. have been on Ball Island after a party of Rebels who do picket duty there at night. They succeeded in capturing four of them & sent them into the Provost Guard while they are to remain out there & try for a few more. The tower of Bluffton [South Carolina] is only a short distance from them where the Rebels have a force of four companies of cavalry & one Regt. of infantry. Lieut. Col. [John Henry] Jackson [WIA Fort Wagner, S. C., 7/18/63] is in command of our Regt. He had some experience in the Mexican War. Capt. [Michael Thomas] Donohoe [WIA Fort Harrison, Va., 9/29/64] came in yesterday & says they intend to go to Blufton. They have two pieces of artillery. The Rebels have burned two plantations on the mainland yesterday even all the negro houses etc. In consequence of some misunderstanding between the officers. Major [John] Bedel [WIA Morris Island, S. C., 7/10/63; POW Fort Wagner, S. C., 7/18/63 & BBG 3/13/65] was not permitted to go & as I would not go without orders am patiently waiting to hear the news from the boys. Genl. [Thomas] Sherman is at Tybee [Island] getting things in order to bombard Ft. Pulaski. They are obliged to order at night to keep out of the fire of the Ft. Col. [Enoch Q.] Fellows is in command of the Post & has been somewhat exerted in consequence of a report from the picket on the west side of the Island that the Rebel Officers had been seen with their gray clothes on. Scouts are out in all directions…the story arose from our men who came back from Ball I-d, they had their old grey clothes furnished by the State…as they do always when on fatigue duty…our enemies will make an effort to gain possession of Vile's Battery on Daufuskie Island for they are a great annoyance to them as they cut off completely the communication to Savannah from Ft. Pulaski but Vile's force has been strengthened within a few days…Genl. Burnside has control of this state…if he could work in concert with his force we would give 'em the same treatment they have recd. elsewhere. So. Ca. is a bad country to march an army into as was proved in the Revolution…I see by a paper…an account of the evacuation of Annapolis [?] that Berry [Nathaniel S. Berry, 1796-1894, New Hampshire's Republican anti-slavery governor, 1862-1863.] is elected Gov. of N. H. Also that the great party called Union is likely to have about a few votes. This is all very good news. The votes was very small & I suppose the taxes make the people look cross . How will the war tax bill sett on their stewards. I imagine it will be as good as a dose of Drop[?] Tea such as Tay drinks…your bro, Sid." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Overall near fine.
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