Raynors HCA 2017-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017
A rare war-date Pennsylvania soldier's battle letter, 3pp., 4to., written by Pvt. George W. Fitzinger, 8th Penn. Vols. (3 Months), Vols., Philadelphia, Aug. 29, 1861 to his cousin, in part: "…we are now in the midst of war. The worst thing that could befall a nation, our beloved country which cost the lives of our forefathers…almost starved and frozen is now to be trod down by the bloodthirsty and revenging people of the South who is bringing death and distress upon all parts of our country…let every man that loves his country…shoulder his musket…we left Philadelphia on the 27 of April and landed in Perryville…we was stationed hear 8 days…we was 23 days guarding the railroad. We went to Chambersburg…we was there 8 days…then forded the Potomac river…we numbered six hundred. We had six pieces of cannon. The next day after we landed we was all called to arms…the enemy was within one miles with fifteen thousand strong. The next day…to Williamsport we…found 18 regiments of our men. They heard that we was all killed and they had cum there on double quick. They left everything behind. They had cum 12 miles in two hours…we then forded the river. The second time…we went to a place called Fallen Waters. Our cannon being 1/2 mile in advance of us they commenced firing. Orders was give to us to sling knapsacks and gow on double quick…in fifteen minutes we was in line of battle. They fired two rounds from the woods and left like a flock of sheep…they then shot two high. We could hear the bullets above our heads. Our loss two killed and 7 wounded. There was 60 killed and 40 wounded. The enemy numbered ten thousand. We numbered 14 thousand. We was at Falling Water 1 day. We then went to Martinsburg. We was hear 12 days…we then took the cars and cum to Baltimore…each company only had tents for the sick. I suffered a great deal with the rheumatism…we had to lay in the night air and rains. Jefferson John and myself…expect to gow in a few days to Washington to drive for the army…George W. Fitzinger." VG
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