Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
A great war-date Union soldier's letter, 3 1/2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. George S. Youngs, [POW Harper's Ferry, Va., 9/15/62], Co. G, 126th New York Vols., Camp Douglas, Chicago. Ill., Oct. 17, 1862, in part: "…there is a great deal of dissatisfaction manifested by all the paroled prisoners. They believe it to be contrary to the term of our parole to drill or do any duty whatever. The day before yesterday we were ordered to fall in for company drill…our Co. refused to do so with the exception of six men. The captain…came to us and asked us separately if we were willing to drill. I with a very large majority…told him no. He then took our names and reported us to headquarters. Part of Companies A, C, H…drilled…the rest refused. Since then they have not required any part of the regiment to drill. Today there were nineteen men detailed to build up the fence which the boys have torn down to get to the city. At noon when they came to dinner they reported that they had done nothing yet and they have not been called on this P. M. but…the fence is being put up by somebody…I suppose there will be as much torn down tonight as there is built up…the guards appear to be very much afraid of the Harpers Ferry Cowards as we're called…after our arrival. One of the sutlers called one of our boys…that name…and the next day they cleaned out his establishment. We have had another fire here last night…I was aroused…by the cry of fire…and proceeded to the scene of conflagration and there I beheld a magnificent sight. The barracks are roofed a kind of cement which contains a large quantity of tar and the wind was blowing violently from the north west. The barracks are built so as to form a hollow square for a parade ground. The fire was set in the north west corner…the fire swept them in both directions and ran along the roof with a rapidity which threatened to consume the entire square…it [was] feared by some and hoped by others…but the steam fire engines coming from the city succeeded in putting a stop to it after it had burned out one or two regiments. There is no telling how soon we may wake up and find our own barracks on fire. A great many of the boys are leaving on furloughs of their own…George S. Youngs." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Light soiling, else VG.
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