Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
War-date Union soldier's letter, 5pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. George S. Youngs, [POW Harper's Ferry, Va., 9/15/62], Co. G, 126th New York Vols., Stevensburg, Va., Mar. 16, 1864, describing the celebration of St. Patrick's Day hosted by the 69th Penn. Vols., in part: "…our chaplain is with us and has been all the time…we have had Divine service for the last three or four Sundays…[March 17th]…I have just returned tom Celebration of Saint Patrick's Day which was…about a mile from here between Stevensburg and Culpeper C. H…there was a large number of spectators already assembled including a considerable number of ladies who were seated on a platform laid on the top of army wagons. The platform also accommodated the band which belongs to the first division…if not the best in the army. Gen. Owen always foremost in everything was not behind…was general director of the festivities. He also occupied a place on the platform as did several other officers…first…was a hurdle race, best two in three …the course is about a mile long and at intervals of several rods ditches were dugout two feet deep and eight or ten wide, besides these ditches there was two hurdles or barricades erected about four feet high. Three or four horses were entered…one of them fell and threw his rider over his head at the last ditch…fortunately he was not hurt. The next thing was climbing the guard pole. The pole was covered with soap and ten dollars placed on the top. Gen. Owen announced that the man who reached the top should have the ten dollars and all the soap that was left. After several vain attempts one was…successful and then the greased pig was brought on. The Gen. said that he must be caught by anecdote [tail]…to entitle the catcher the reward which was the pig itself. The pig's tail was about an inch long and of course no one was able to catch him…after amusement enough…they allowed him to be caught by the leg and the victor [a man in the 116th Penn.] bore him off in triumph. After this a rabbit was brought in the ring but the poor thing never stirred from the spot where he was laid for the men pounced upon him so quick that they killed him. Instantly, a sack race, foot race, mule race, sparring match and a horse race followed each other in quick succession and terminated the festivities…[March 18]…the Corps was ordered under arms this P. M…it was reported that the Rebs were crossing the river…I overheard Gen. Kilpatrick say (yesterday at the race) that Gen. Stuart was at Ely's ford in force. I had my picture taken today and enclose it. But you must not allow anyone in the Mill to see it…George S. Youngs." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. A bit light, else VG
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