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., Charlestown, [West Va.], Aug. 20, 1864, to his wife, in part: "…leaving our camp at Tennytown we crossed the Chain bridge taking the turnpike for Leesburg…the country thus far presents a very desolate appearance. We find a few cornfields & a few apples…we encamped near Leesburg beside a large cornfield surrounded by a rail fence. The former being in right condition to roast & boil and the latter being very suitable for cooking…it was all appropriated …received a dispatch from Gen. Sheridan by which order we were very soon on the road again, passed through [Snicker's] Gap and arrived at the Shenandoah river…the river is wider then the Saco but it is in no place more than three feet deep. Our Regt by order of Gen. Grover were assigned the post of honor in front. This speaks well for the 12th. We rested upon the bank until the whole force had passed…when we again took up our line of march for Berryville…we are now in the Shenandoah Valley …we join the balance of our Corps with the 6th & 8th [Corps] altogether making quite a formidable army…we are having plenty of fresh meat beef, mutton, pork…it was quite amusing…to see the men bringing in the forage in the shape of sheep, hogs, chickens, turkey & geese. Green corn we have in abundance…if constitutes our principle food. Gen. Sheridan was quite unfortunate in losing his supply train…partly for the reason that he hurried us along. Our men are on half rations but they can get enough as long as they are allowed to forage as they now do. I don't think that this is hardly the right way but then we must have something to eat and if Uncle Sam don't furnish it the country…which we pass must. The people…make no complaint. They seem to take it as a matter of course or perhaps they think complaining would be of no avail. I have heard of none making any demonstrations either of Union or Secesh sentiments. I suppose they hardly dare express an opinion for they are liable to Union and Rebel invasions…officers say we are now in an excellent position for a fight…it only remains for the Rebs to say whether they will attack us or not…". On August 21st, as a two pronged Confederate army attacked Sheridan at Charlestown and Berryville, Towle closes this letter with a hurried pencil note, adding, in part: "I had intended to have written…more before closing…but orders have come to be in readiness…the Rebs are advancing, brisk skirmishing is now going on to the right…". The original transmittal cover is included. VG
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