Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A Union soldier’s letter written by “J(ames) O. Parmlee” who enlisted on 9/5/1864 into "G" Co. PA 211th Infantry. The four page letter is datelined On Picket: Oct. 12, 1864. Parmlee writing his mother says in part “…I was on picket… and a boy from another post brought a paper to our post and exchanged it for Rebel paper with the pickets opposite to us. Next, one of our boys done the same and besides the Reb gave him several copies of an order from the Rebel War Department relating to deserters from the Federal Army, intended to encourage foreigners to desert. He gave me a copy of it (that imprint is included)... When I got off duty I went to one of the other posts and got a late paper; then came back and waved it to the “Johnnies.” One of them started down the hill and came toward us. I done the same, both of us leaving our guns of course. When we met, said I “How are you Johnny?” “Bully Yank”, he answered, “have you got a late paper?” I told him and asked what his was. He said it was the “Whig” and we traded. He told me to hurry, and we would meet again as soon as his officer left. His officer a Captain was watching us very closely all the time as were a good many men on both sides. ... I would have bought some Confederate money but he hadn’t any. We then talked politics for a while and as he was afraid his officers would catch him there, and it was almost time for my relief we bid each other an affectionate good bye, and ‘wended out way homeward.’ His name was Frank Slater and belonged to the 29th Va. He was dressed in rather ragged grey suit; with U.S. buttons and his accouterments had no brass plates at all, as our have, and were very much worn. We can see them from this post very plainly; they are distance about thirty rods. They appear to have no blankets nor overcoats, and keep up big fires all night, while we are not allowed any, or at best, very low ones. But we have both rubber and cloth blankets, and heavy overcoats. ... Sunday I took a walk of about a mile down the shore of the James River, and saw plenty of gunboats and had a good view of the double turreted monitor “Onondaga”. It is said here that Farragut is at Bermuda Hundred with an immense fleet and is going to Richmond when Butler’s Canal is finished…. From the bluffs upon which our camp and batteries are situated, one can get a full view of the famous bend that Butler Canal is designed to cut off, the canal, the whole battle ground where those last battles were fought, rebel and Union batteries by the dozen, and can see almost to Richmond. ...’
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