Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
War-date Union officer's letter, 2 1/3pp. 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., "Camp near Bealton, Va., Nov. 15, 1863", addressed to Col. and BBG Francis J. Parker, in part: "I joined the Regt some ten days since at Warrenton Junction and found it in very good condition with exception of the clothing which is in a worse condition than ever before since our advance from Centreville. It has been very difficult to supply our army with rations…it is almost impossible to furnish transportation for clothing. The railroad is finished now as far as Bealton…our brigade is now guarding the road from Morrisville to Bealton, the 32d being the left towards Belaton; the other brigades in this division are on the road from Morrisvile to Kelly's Ford…we were engaged in the advance on Rappahannock Station but being on the left we did not get much glory…met with no loss. The rebels shelled us quite freely, but their practice was bad…we advanced some distance across open fields in full view. Our Division is temporarily under the command of Gen. Bartlett fro the 6th Corps. Gen. Griffin is detailed on court marshall in Washington; some say to look after another star as it is easier to get them in Washington than by doing duty in the field. Col. Sweitzer [62nd Penn. Vols.] still commands the brigade…it is said Gen. Curtin is trying to get him made a brigadier [general]…Col. Guiney [9th Mass. Vols.] is still gay and festive and the 9th gets drunk as usual whenever whiskey can be purchased or stolen…Col. P[rescott] was very glad to see me; he still conducts the affairs of the Regt in a way that disgusts every sensible man in it…you have seen the last list of promotions. Some of them should never have received commissions…with regards to the movement of the army…everyone is puzzled…God forbid that there should be another winter campaign…L. Stephenson, Jr., Lt. Col. 32d Mass. Vols." Scrap book mounting stains on verso of last blank page, else near fine.
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