Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
Confederate Stonewall Brigade letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. John W. Middleton (1835-1907), Co. H, 27th Virginia Infantry, (WIA & POW Pickett's Charge, Gettysburg 7/3/63), "Camp in the woods," Jan. 30, 1862, in part: "…when I wrote to you from Winchester I did not intend to come out to camp but finding that it would inconvenience some that were worse than I was I concluded that I would try camp…I came on Sunday. When I joined them they were encamped two miles from town on the Romney road from which we moved yesterday…it is the most gloomy prospect for comfort…the ground is soft and spongy and when full of water it becomes very muddy…we are ordered to build huts to winter in…the artillery are building huts just across the road from our company…Arthur and me have…a very comfortable bed in our tent. We lay two logs on the ground, then split timbers and lay [them] on them. The [we] put a good supply of straw upon it making it a dry and comfortable bed. We have a stove in our tent…I would much rather stay in our tent than build a shanty for I do not fancy living with 8 men in a cabin especially as I cannot choose my associates…some of the boys were expecting to get home on furlough. The Capt. gave his approval but the General would not as he had orders not to grant any more unless they reenlist. That they will not do. I do not believe one of our company will enlist under the present arrangement…I am perfectly willing to stay here the balance of my term. If I can then get home…I intend to stay out of [the] service…tell Gennie Pettigrew that her uncle Andrew would have been home before this…if the new order had not been given…he will not reenlist for the sake of a furlough and I do not blame him for I do not think any man ought to sell his privileges for the next two years merely to see home for a few days...J. W. Middleton…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Both overall VG
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.