Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A good war-date Union surgeon's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Asst. Surgeon William C. Towle 12th Maine Vols., Tennytown, [Md.], Aug. 3, 1864, to his wife, in part: "…we were ordered aboard of the cars at Baltimore and Ohio depot…the order…came to disembark as soon as possible and form in line on Pa. Avenue…we took up our line of march up the avenue through Georgetown…to this place…we were going to Frederick City…but it seems that they were afraid of a Rebel raid up this way so our destination was changed…many troops passed by us on their way up last night…the great anticipated Rebel raid is reduced…to a few hundred of Mosby's guerrillas, if so it is a great score on our side and may have been got up to reduce the armies of Grant…I was very sorry to hear of Lucia's [daughter] sickness…how foolish in Dr. Bradley to keep the windows down. God never intended that the air of Heaven should injure anyone…such practice is better befitting the usage of half a century ago than now…our repulse at Petersburg is…owing to the Negro troops. It seems that they were thrown into confusion and their officers could have no command over them…the Gov. will find out before long the true place for engross. They should be made to do the work that the white soldiers nave to do now, such as fatigue duty, packing rations…throwing up breastworks & keep the white soldier for nothing but fighting, feed him better and treat him like a human being…[then] 20,000 will be superior to 50,000…this is my opinion and I believe that I am right…W. C. Towle." The original transmittal cover is included. VG
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