Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., on patriotic stationery, written by 32 year-old Private Carey T. Horton, Co. D, 8th Iowa Vols., Syracuse, MO, Oct. 17, 1861, concerning being armed with inferior Austrian muskets and expensive uniforms, in part: "…we are all packed and bundled up for another start somewhere…[we] expect to get acquainted with some Seceshers there are some six or seven thousand men here now including the Sixth Iowa, First Nebraska, Tallan's Battery of 65 guns, five hundred regulars, our own Glorious? Eighth, the balance are from Illinois and Missouri. The Iowa Fifth were in camp a mile from here……I saw Waitman Mossman [Sgt. Alvin S. Mossman, WIA Champion Hill, MS & POW Missionary Ridge, TN?], the two artists and some others. They were well. Cynthia left St. Louis on last Tuesday…she would get through to Cincinnati in fifteen hours…I have no word from her since…the paymaster is here awaiting orders from Adjutant [General Nathaniel] Baker from Iowa. We have received our arms…poor things they are too being old Austrian muskets, excepting the flanking companies which have good rifled muskets…I could have secured a good berth for you…it being the post of private secretary to the colonel. I applied for it…and thought i was in…but they come to the conclusion to take one out of the ranks. I am secretary for the Orderly Sergeant. That excuses me from guard and fatigue duty [and] gives me more room, a better bed, writing place and other conveniences that I would not be entitled [to] otherwise. He and I have a tent to ourselves, only when loafers come in, J. K. Barnes is now…making himself at home and [he is] free with anything and everything. [We] have received our uniforms consisting of good pale blue overcoat, a deep blue dress [coat] and one fatigue coat, one pair pants [that are] the same color, one pr. heavy shoes, two flannel shirts, two pr. woolen drawers, one blue cloth cap all told…I have no money to pay postage…orders have just come [that] the guard [is] to be detailed tomorrow. We left St. Louis a week ago yesterday arriving here on Friday morning…I must close for the drum calls to dress parade. direct to Syracuse County, Missouri, Co. D, 8th Iowa Infantry…C. T. Horton." Expected soiling, else VG
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.