Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
Confederate Letter written by “Lock” Weems who enlisted on 7/3/1861 as a 1st Lieutenant, 7/3/1861 he was commissioned into Field & Staff AL 15th Infantry; He was Killed on 6/27/1862 at Cold Harbor, VA. The 4-page letter is datelined Head Quarter 15th Alabama Regiment Near Centreville, Sept. 11th, 1861, with original cover. In part, “We are sleeping upon the same ground occupied by the Yankees on their onward march to Richmond. Centreville is a small little insignificant kind of a place with not a respectable looking house in it. I find that most of the important points lose their enchantment when brought in close contact with the optical faculties. I found that stone bridge was an insignificant rough piece of architecture built probably in the year 76 and over one of the muddiest dirtiest streams that you ever saw. It is about 40 feet long, and scarcely wide enough for the passage of a wagon, and Manassas, this is worse than a prairie field. And I was much surprised at the uncleanly condition of the place. It is a great wonder to me that the soldiers do not all die there. I went over today to see Andrew, his regiment (Col. Semmes') moved up near us on yesterday. ... Our troops and the Federals are continually fighting up above us on a small scale, and we are looking for a big fight soon in which I suppose we will have a chance. ...I shall never be such a fool again as to leave for the wars without making all necessary preparations. I can scarcely realize that our dear little Felix can sit alone. I should like so much to see her, and you too, my wife… I think of you both very often. In regard to the likeness of myself I promised you, I have not had it taken. I preferred having it taken with my uniform on, and not having that I postponed it. … We have some eight or ten Regiments very near us and the different Bands make sweet melody every night. A portion of the Washington Artillery are encamped near us... There have been so many troops encamped here and for so long a time that the country is nearly eaten up.”
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