Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
War-date Union officer's letter, 1 1/2pp. 4to., written by Lt. Col. Luther Stephenson, Jr. [WIA Gettysburg, 2x Petersburg, Va. 6/18/64 & 6/22/64 and future brevet brigadier general], 32nd Mass. Vols., "Potomac Creek Fortifications ", [Va.], May 23, 1863, addressed to Col. and BBG Francis J. Parker, in part: "…you will be astonished to hear from me…so soon. Perhaps you may think I have got the "Prescott mania" [Col. George L. Prescott] on me but it is not so…I have changed my location to the above post and now style myself commandant of the Potomac Creek fortifications which consists of three works, two earth works and a stockade which have been built to protect the large bridge across the creek. Our Regt has been detailed to garrison these forts and to guard the railroad from the bridge half away to Falmouth. Col. P. sent me with 5 companies to this post and remains with 4 companies at Stoneman's Station. I was…perfectly satisfied…I have also a section of artillery under my command from the 1st Md. Battery. The 5th Corps was ordered to guard this portion of the railroad and the 32nd was detailed for the move…Col. Sweitzer is very much disgusted with the move and thinks we have got a "sweet thing of it". His command is now reduced…to 3 regiments and the 5th Corps is very small indeed having lost the 5th, 10th, 13th, 17th & 20th N. Y. Regt, the 2nd Me. (2 years men) and the whole of Humphrey's Div. (9 Mo. men) with the exception of the 1 Reg. that has been transferred to Sykes. Nobody believes the army will move again before Sept. unless compelled to do so by some movement of the enemy. Col. P. & Hoyt have sent for their wives…I have not been able to give your regards to Gen. Griffin…he having been absent in Washington since the last move…it is rumored that he is not to take command of the Div. again, but is to have a command of artillery…Gen. Barnes will probably command this Div…give my regards to [Lt. Charles K.] Cobb. I hear he is still a martyr to that 'blooded horse.'…L. Stephenson, Jr." A bit light, but legible, with scrap book mounting stains on verso, else VG
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