Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A Union soldier’s letter written by “H(enry) C. Thayer” who enlisted on 8/12/1862 as a Private into "I" Co. RI 2nd Infantry and was discharged for disability on 10/31/1863 at Judiciary Square Hosp, Wash DC. The eight page letter is datelined, Camp Near Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 20, 1862 and comes with the original cover. He writes in part, “I was among the first to cross the river and attack the Rebs. ... we advanced a few rods when we were fired into by the Rebel skirmishers. I tell you the balls went by our ears whistling. We laid there that night but did not hear anything ... when we found out that they had fell back about 2 miles. ... Heavy cannonading was begun the next morning on the right ... We could see the whole of it. we could see the infantry when they charged on the Reb’s batteries but to no effect. They were driven back every time with great loss. ... Our batteries then opened on them and it was hot work for about twenty minutes when we silenced them. You ought to have heard the cheers that rose. ... there is one little thing I forgot to tell you. We were told to put our guns up on the bank ... I laid mine down beside me... He grabbed hold of me and said he would have me arrested, so I was marched off under guard. ...”
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