2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
A nice war-date Union soldier's, 4pp. 4to., letter written in ink by Pvt. Albert J. Whitley, Co. C, 141st New York Vols., Minors Hill, Va., Dec.14, 62 to his sister concerning the technique of performing picket duty, and of being near the farm of Jackson the murderer of Ellsworth, reading, in part: "…on picket duty. We had to go about 3 miles…in the direction of Gordonsville. I was stationed on the outside post of picket on the west…in front was a solitary farmhouse where lives the Sister of the traitor Jackson, who was shot for murdering the gallant Col. Ellsworth…standing on picket is lonesome business, there were four men besides myself and Lieutenant [James] McMillan [WIA Dallas, Ga., 5/25/64] stationed together…we were told not to take off our Equipage…even the commissioned officers are not allowed to take their Swords off. Our Lieutenant had three six shooters…there is an awful battle being bought at Fredericksburg…Burnside has crossed the river with his whole army and drove the enemy from their first line of works…one of our boys has just returned from Alexandria and says that he saw Seven hundred Ambulances on the way to Burnsides army…5,000 of our men have been killed and wounded already and the work has only just commenced it is such a dark picture that one can hardly think of it without feeling solemn…there is a Judgment day a coming…and I guess the Rebs think it is all ready upon them…we have just been notified to get ready for inspection tomorrow perhaps marching orders will be…next…this is one of the Worst places I ever saw to write letters in every one is talking & making about as much noise as he knows how…". Whitley enlisted in August 1862 servicing in southern Virginia, in the Atlanta Campaign until he was wounded at Resaca, Ga. on May 15, 1864, and Sherman's March to the Sea. Before being discharged he was promoted to sergeant. Some soiling, else very good.
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