Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A good early war-date Union volunteer's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Ira F. Gensel, Co. I, 25th Penn. Vols., [2nd Lt. 4th United States Regular Infantry, MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Porterfield Farm seven miles from Martinsburg, Virginia, July 8, 1861", in part: "…there was about 5,000 men in the column that moved with us this morning. We have now halted at the place indicated…the scene of the first conflict in this place of Virginia. Very few were killed, but a sad scene is presented on the battlefield. The large house and barn from which the rebels commenced firing is a mass of ruins. Cannon balls also struck several other houses. Fences are lying in every direction and hundreds of acres of wheat ready for the sickle is trampled. At…all the houses women could be seen crying and were very afraid our men would inflict some damage to them. Col. Stone told them they need not be afraid…2 p. m….we are in Martinsburg. Col. Stone has reported to Gen. Patterson whose command we now join…the desolate battlefield…what sight to see, 30,000 men marching to battle. What would you think of seeing such a large number of men in such a small town…in Martinsburg the destruction of property by the Secseeionists must amount to many millions of dollars. A very fine rail road bridge was destroyed, then 46 locomotives run off in the river. The machine shops are also destroyed…the sight is truly sickening. 4 p. m. have just returned from town. I was with Capt. [William H. H.] Davis [future colonel 104th Penn. Vols. and brevet brigadier general] & seen Gen. Patterson. Also a great many of the men who had been into the Fort Sumpter fight. The Secession forces are now about 6 miles from here…the vast army now encamped here move in the morning …tomorrow there will be a fight…I have just heard the Rebels under Gen. Johnson retreated to Winchester…20 miles distant…Ira F. Gensel." Minor soiling, else VG
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