Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
War-date Union soldier's letter, 3pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Daniel D. Barrows, Co. E, 9th Maine Vols., [later Signal Corps], Black Island near Morris Island, S. C., Nov. 12, 1863, in part: "…the bombardment of Sumpter still goes on. The fort is a mere mass of ruins and in all probability is garrisoned by a very few men. We are doing the extreme out picket duty on Black Island about two miles from Morris and within rifle shot of the whole line of James Island batteries. We should be in plain view of Charleston but for a piece of woods on James Island…we can see all the spires and the tops of the largest buildings. From Battery Gregg, on a pleasant day, one can look into the streets of Charleston…Charleston Harbor…is one solid mass of batteries as far as the eye can reach. Gilmore is still erecting new batteries on Morris and at the same time giving Johnson, Moultrie and Sumpter fits…Sumpter could be taken easily by storm, but…they are afraid of mines and intend to batter it down…we can see every shot that drops into it. As soon as Sumpter is taken…the iron fleet will give them a try. As yet they have done nothing…Morris Island is a sepulcher for the dead. One can hardly run a shovel into the sand without striking a dead body…on Morris only three days before our Regt. left…before…the last bombardment commenced…I done some pretty tall dodging…the air was full of shot and shell…I have had some thought of joining the Signal Corps but cannot tell…until I can see Lieut. Town Chief signal officer…direct your letters…Co. E, 9th Maine Vols…Daniel D. Barrows…PS I send my watch by Sergt. Denner. It is a nice watch…carry it until I get home and if I never come give it to Charley. It is a new watch and a perfect time keeper. I should soon spoil it here in the sand…". VG
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