Drilling and Organizing the 34th Massachusetts in 1862

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006

A nice pair of war-date Union soldier's letters, totaling 5pp.8vo., written in pencil by Corp. Arthur M. Stone, Co. E, 34th Mass. Vol., Camp Lyon, Alexandria, Va., Dec. 6, 62 to his family concerning life in a newly formed Massachusetts regiment, reading, in part: "…we had just come in from a very hard drill. This forenoon, the Col. [future Brevet Brigadier General George D. Wells KIA Oct. 13, 1864] took us out…this morning and skirmished the whole regiment clear over to Arlington Height, which is about 4 miles from our camp- over the hills, through brooks and bushes and when I got back in I was some tired…we had our monthly inspection Tuesday, and the Col. is getting to be very severe with us. He puts on his white kid gloves and says that we must clean our guns so clean that they will not soil his gloves…then we have got to black our equipments all over - cartridge boxes etc. and…polish up the brasses on them…the Captain inspects our guns every morning, and we have to buy blacking and emory paper…he says each man ought to have a blacking brush. [and] he says that…we shall be the best drilled in the…regiment…I got the Negro to wash my shirt and drawers and stockings…he only charged me six cents…we have to drill…hard to pay for our good comparable quarters. I think that our Col. will be made Brigadier Gen soon…I received a paper from you with some letter paper in it…which I must say is very acceptable as I had only one sheet left, and no money to buy any with, for it takes all the money to buy blacking in emory paper…[December 6 to his brother]…I am glad that you like studying geography, and I suppose that wearing a vest is something that is very nice indeed. We are still here and got our tents fixed all nice. Did you have a nice time Thanksgiving…your loving brother…". The original stamped transmittal envelope is included. Stone served throughout the remainder of the Civil War seeing at action at the battle of New Market before being discharged in June 1865. Minor toning, else very good. (3 pieces)

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