Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A good war-date Union officer's letter, 7pp. 8vo., written by 2nd Lt. Ira F. Gensel, 4th United States Regular Infantry, [MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Camp Lovell near the Chickahominy, Va., May 31, 1862", in part: "…Tuesday…our division received orders to march without knapsacks, three days cooked rations and one hundred rounds of ammunition…daylight found us on the way. After a march of four miles the order came to halt and the line of battle was formed. We remained in this position about five hours when the order came to advance. The march was continued through most scorching sun…my overcoat was my pillow…I had taken the precaution to put a cake of chocolate in my haversack. My man soon made me a cup. After drinking it I felt much better…at seven…the order came to be ready…to march. We moved three miles…where the battle of the day before had taken place and formed ready for an attack expecting the Secesh would come at us in force, but he had gone not to return. We were near Hanover Court House where Gen. Fitz John Porter had driven the enemy…taking many prisoners…the surgeons were busy taking care of the wounded. Our soldiers burying the dead…the rail road bridges had been burned. The track torn up and the telegraphic wires cut. We again returned to camp having entirely accomplished the object of the expedition…the…division quartermaster handed me our letter…I was sound asleep long before supper…the order has just come "be ready to march at any moment." Our little expedition was through a portion of country over which our army had not yet passed and therefore the destruction of property was not so great…the place of most interest…was the birth place of Virginia's great orator, Patrick Henry. It is a lovely place. The house is an old fashioned France building while around is a beautiful lawn filled with large…oaks…the lane…is finely shaded…everything is in good order and we'll take care of. The place is now owned by a Mr. Stacke. He moved from the premises on Thursday and the home of Patrick Henry is…used…for hospital purposes. You speak of my last letters as if they contained abolitionist sentiments…no person has…changed more in their views than I have…I am opposed to slavery in every form…[my] opinion is growing stronger and stronger every day of my stay in Virginia…I see slavery as it is and the withering blight it has left upon this people. Everyday I pass plantations…on which owners do not pretend to make a living or noise enough to keep them alive. On these plantations now live by raising and selling slaves…they are men almost destitute of feeling..and trade in human flesh to keep up a respectable appearance…they call them "F. F. V's." a great accrues to the country as their slaves. Yes, I'm opposed to slavery. It has ruined and impoverished one of the finest states in this Union. It has struck a blow at freedom and free institutions…I will strike back. Slavery and slave drivers are the cause of this rebellion and slavery is…the cause of the sorrow…tell me what to do with the slaves. When once set free and…loose the shackles…I do not know what you will think of my sentiment…Ira." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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