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, 3pp. 8vo., written, red and blue patriotic stationery, by Sergeant James A. Bailey, Co. E, 5th Mass. (3 Months) Vols., Washington, July 26, [1861], to his friend, in part: "…I received your letter…which must have been carried all over Virginia…I came mighty near losing them last Sunday when we went into the fight. We were ordered to through down our blankets & haversacks. When we retreated I was bound to find my haversack if possible. I dint like the idea of my letters being read by the rebels & after a while I had the good luck to find it…very few of our boys got theirs. They came back with out guns or anything else. I lost my blankets but picked up 2 others much poorer than my own. I broth everything else back. I was bound to stick to my "good" as long as I could walk. That battle field was a hard looking sight. All kinds of weapons…ammunition, wagons, provisions, clothing & worse of all men & horseplay scattered all around…we expect to start for home some time next week…in our regt. there are about 25 killed & missing. We are quartered in a large hall attached to Willard Hotel, but we don't dine at the hotel…we are getting over our troubles pretty well. A great many are lame & foot sore…my self just a little lame that's all…Jim…excuse this scrawling for their has been a "heap of trouble on the old man's mind." He's getting better though. James." Included is the original patriotic transmittal cover. Near fine
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