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 by Pvt. Elias Baker, Co. G, 46th Illinois Vols., Corinth, Miss., May 17, 1862, in part: "…Major [Benjamin] Dornblaser [WIA Shiloh 4/7/62 & brevet major general 3/13/65] arrived here yesterday…there were a great many bright & pleasant faces at his appearance…I am glad to hear that our Col. [John A. Davis wounded severely on April 7th and had to carried from the field at Shiloh & MWIA Hatchie Bridge, Tenn. 10/5/62] is getting along so well but it is sad to hear of so many of our companions dying who were wounded in the battle [Shiloh]…Gen. Halleck rode along the lines yesterday so I saw Julias & Abe Newcomer as they belong to his body guard but I did not get to speak with them…our line of battle is fifteen miles long. We advance a mile or two every few days and when we come to a halt each Regt. and company build their own breastworks…so that every inch of ground we gain we will be able to hold. The pickets of the two armies are in continual conflict with each other. There were several pickets on our side killed & wounded last night. There was one of the 15th in Co. G wounded last night. The rebels will soon have to leave or…there will have to be a fight before long. Some think that they will not stand a fight here. If they do I think it will be the last fighting we will have to do. The 15th are all furnished with new Enfield guns. We are to have them too as soon as they can get them from the [Pittsburg] landing. I sent some money home by Laura [Lawrence] Patten [Discharged for disability 3/7/62]. Some thinks it was not too safe to send it with him but I am not much afraid but that he will get it home. The 46th have a sutler now. He is from Lane Station, Ogle Co…Elias D. Baker." A bit light, else VG
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