Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written, on "The Constitution" patriotic stationery, by Musician Samuel Fleming, Co. A, 78th Penn. Vols., "Camp Orr, Sept. 16, [1861]," in part: "…we have first rate times here. The drum is rolling for drill…we put a man in the guard house for getting to much thats what the matter. They drummed one fellow out of camp today because he refused to take the Oath of Allegiance. We were sworn into the United States Service today. This fellow stepped out of the ranks. We have had three fellows in the guard house but none of our fellows. We have got 79 men sworn into our Company. There was 8 come in today…in a few days we will have the full number. There is now in camp six companies and about five hundred and fifty men sworn in. Ours is the first company…we get the right post of honor. I am still holding onto the drum, but have not done anything at it for a few days. I got the head broke in and have got it fixed up…we have been looking for you down with great patience but have most give up looking for any more men…stay at home light guards…we have plenty to eat and the ladies come to see us every day. We have got the best looking captain in the camp and the best looking men so says the ladies…some of you fellows might take time to bring some of those girls down to see us…Thomas Bell was here to join our company and he could not get an office…he tried to get one in the Chesitree Company and they told him he would get them six men and he left. I don't know whether he will be back…we are doing with the bass drum. We have not used it much since you were here. We use nothing but small drums. This is a pretty wicked place but our boys keep pretty strait…Samuel Fleming." Addressed to James C. Carnahan who later enlisted as drummer in the 78th but died of disease shortly after the battle of Murfreesboro. A bit light, else VG
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