Raynors HCA 2019-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/21/2019
A great war-date Union soldier's, 7 1/2pp. 4to., account of the Grand Review by Surgeon Clark Smith 50th New York Engineers, "Near Falmouth above Fredericksburgh, Va., April 9, 1863," being a wonderfully descriptive letter to his wife about the dilapidated condition of the South and he remarks, in part: "…this state [Virginia] is in an awful condition or at least the portion of it that I have seen - No fences - buildings destroyed - fields cut up by roads in every possible direction - timber nearly all cut down - roads all destroyed and everything in the most perfect state of destruction. If the country recovers in one century it will do well." He goes on to tell of seeing the president at the Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac, reading, in small part: "…we heard on the extreme right a Salvo of Artillery announcing the arrival of 'old honesty'. He reviewed the 1st & 6th Corps and then approached our position. First came Maj. Genl Patrick Provost Marshall General in his variegated robe of office on a fine black charger followed by his staff which was followed by a Detachment of the 'Lancers' a very finely mounted lot of men. Following a short distance behind the lancers rode Uncle Abraham on one side Maj Genl Butterfield with the 'baton' of his position in his hand (Chief of Staff) on the other Uncle Abe's little boy (some say his name is 'Abe') ...As they rode past within 20 feet of where we stood I had a fine view of the President. He looks just as his pictures look only if possible more cadaverous & Emaciated - still he looked very pleasant and kind hearted. He is very thin now more so than usual they say - with all that you could that he was pleased to say the least with the Army. As he rode past the soldiers, and around between the Divisions back and forth with his head uncovered, his hair sticking up on top of his head, the head thrown back a pleasant smile wreathing his care worn face I could not help but think what a responsibility rests upon that one man. What unlimited power. It fairly made me shudder to think of it. My God, if he should prove false to his trust what then would become of us, but no, never think that of him, when all others prove false and try to crush this glorious nation there will he be seen still waving aloft that glorious star spangled banner. What a Providence that he was Elected President, of all others he is the right man in the right place. That he feels his responsibility not only to his country but to the cause of liberty for ages to come I do not double. His haggard and care worn face bespeaks it. That he would yesterday have gladly have exchanged his position with any the humblest private in the ranks if by so doing the nation and the cause could be benefited I do not for a moment doubt. May God keep him steadfast in the right. I can not write half what I feel or felt while seeing him ride among the troops. He was dressed very plainly in citizens dress with silk hat and everything about him plain, just what one would expect. Genl. Hooker rode behind him. He is a very pleasant looking man, different from what I expected & from what his name would imply 'Fighting Joe'. Mrs. Lincoln rode in a carriage…while the troops were passing in review Uncle Abe stood with a verity brilliant staff of Major and Gigadier Brindles about him. There were lots of ladies on horseback, mostly wives of officers-among others Mrs. Maj. Genl. Daniel Sickles and Mrs. Poince Slam Slam…Mrs. Sickles appeared very gay and appeared to enjoy herself hugely with some of the staff officers…I stood within 10 feet of the President and had a good look at him. He is a noble man & an honest man…ever yours, Clark." Near fine
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