Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A good war-date Union surgeon's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by Asst. Surgeon William C. Towle 12th Maine Vols., Camp Parapet, [Carrolton, La.], Mar. 1, 1864, to his wife, in part: "…Gen. Grover's division which were over the Lake have…returned recrossed the Mississippi and gone back towards Franklin where they came from. This is a strategic movement on the part of Gen. Banks for since this large force has been at Madisonville the Rebels have been concentrating their forces to meet them for the anticipated attack from Mobile…by celerity of movement the rebs may get a blow where they little expect. Gen. Banks is a very able man and one of our best generals. I heard him speak a few days ago at Carrollton where he had a grand review of Gen. [Albert Lindsey] Lee's brigade of cavalry and artillery…there was a flag presentation by the N. York residents of N. O. Gen. Lee on receiving the flag made a noble and patriotic speech concluding with the assurance…that the flag should either be returned or that they might weep over the fallen bodies of its defenders. Gen. Banks has a powerful and commanding voice which added to his great powers of mind[and] renders him one of the most engaging and attractive of speakers. I came across Dr. Gordon in the crowd…I have a man in the hospital who belongs to the 2d N. O. Regt. who was conscripted by the rebs and afterwards managed to escape…he left his wife and two children, the oldest a boy of ten years…he thinks they can manage to live for 3 months…on what he left them provided the rebs don't seize it. He was with two others who came with him. [They were] obliged to keep in the swamps by day & traveled by night often…without food. He enlisted as soon as he arrived…but is rather weak & feeble yet. He says they are conscripting all between 16 and 65. There were eight deserters from a Reb La. regt came in last night…the most of the rebel army would desert if they could. There are few…who dare undertake it for they know that death is certain if they fail…I don't know but…I shall take a plantation and send for my family…imagine yourself with a bunch of keys to your side with drakes all around and your husband a La. Planter ha! ha!…W. C. Towle…". The original transmittal cover is included. A bit light, but readable, else VG
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