Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
A good early war-date Union minuteman's letter, 3 1/2pp. 8vo., written by Sergeant James A. Bailey, Co. E, 5th Mass. (3 Months) Vols., Washington, Apr. 28, [1861], to his family, in part: "We arrived at Annapolis…on the 24th…we were quartered there two days…I was Sergeant of the guard the first day and 10 men with me with guns loaded with ball, prepared for any emergency. On the 25th part of our troops took the cars for Washington and the train was coming back for us but the mob had torn up the track and we had to march to the junction 20 miles with our overcoats, haversacks, blankets, cartridge boxes & guns on our backs. It was the hardest tramp I ever had…each man carried 3 days provisions…we stopped one day & night at the junction sleeping on the ground with our guns in our hands. Then we took the cars for Washington…are now quartered in the U. S. Treasury. SAll the public buildings are full of troops…I know what the camp fever is now. I had not been in Washington an hour before me and Emerson…go up to the White House and ask to see Old Abe Lincoln. We were shown into his room & shook hands with him and talked with him about 20 minutes. He is a fine man…our bits are quite mad to think we got the start of them and have been trying to see him but they cant come it…I send you a flower from Old Abe's Hot House. It was plucked by his young son…this letter it is written amid the noise of 300 or 400 men so you must excuse mistakes…Serg. Bailey, Co. E 5 Regt. M. V. M…care of Capt. John Hutchins…". Overall VG
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