Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
Two Union letters written by “J(h)no McVean” who enlisted on 8/1/1861 at Buffalo, NY as a Corporal into "D" Co. NY 49th Infantry. He was killed on 5/5/1864 at Wilderness, VA. The 1st letter is datelined “Camp near Fredericksburg, Va. December 30th, 1862”. This of course was just after the battle of Fredericksburg and McVean writes “everything remains quiet except a little cannonading to our right”. He comments on spending a very dull Christmas but was glad that “Last Sunday we were visited by a ‘good Samaritan’ who preached a very good sermon to a large and very attentive flock (of sheep) which is the first sermon we have heard for ten months. I wish he would come often.” The letter is signed in full. McVean writes on 4-¼ x 7 inch stationery on the first page, which opens up to a tall 13-½ inch second page. ... plus, The 2nd letter is datelined, “Camp near Falmouth, Va. May 21st, 1863”. This is just two weeks after his gallantry at the second battle of Fredericksburg. The letter is written in nice clear pencil and is two pages in length… just a little news but closes commenting on their fellow Buffalo regiment, the 21st. “…the 21st Regiment have always been jealous of us and tried to ‘run’ us in consequence. I am hastily glad that the Buffalonians gave them such a brilliant reception. That’s what I call good policy.” McVean was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on 5/4/1863 at Fredericksburg Heights, VA where he seized an enemy flag, and moved alone to capture a number of enemy in a barn.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.