Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A great war-date Union officer's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by 2nd Lt. Ira F. Gensel, 4th United States Regular Infantry, [MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Camp near Sharpsburg, M.d., Sept. 30, 1862," in part: "…oh: Annie what a bitter cruel war this is. Ours is a country the fairest the sun ever shone upon…where the greatest amount of liberty is enjoyed…yet to vindicate its supremacy and maintain law and order we are drifting-yes fast drifting to despotism. Yesterday I again rode over he "Battle field of Antietam" and was impressed with the fact that it was a more terrible and bloody affair than I thought…the terror and havoc of battle was exhibited wherever you turned…the awfulness of death was still visible in many frightful forms. These things so many…seem awful indeed they are…i recollect on the day of the battle that the men advanced and fell back near a small white building in the woods. Here the battle raged fiercest and hottest and towards night as our men fell back a third time. I thought the fortunes of the day were against us. The building is a very handsome little country church where ye people in ye old time used to meet to worship God. Its walls are completely riddle with shot and shell. Its floor is red with blood and the little wood in one vast cemetery where the Union and Rebel soldier sleep quietly…side by side. This morning I read the notice of the death of poor Col. [samuel] Croasdale [128th Penn. Vols.]…I saw him with his regiment at Frederic City the Sunday before his death. Little did I think it was…the last time. Poor fellow…what a sad impression to the living. A few short weeks ago he bid adieu to friends and relatives and marched from Doylestown at the head of his company. On arriving at Harrisburg Gov. Curtain promoted him to the command of a regiment…earnestly and zealously upon the discharge of his responsible duties…our recent reverses made it necessary that in the campaign in Maryland the new regiment should take the field. In the battle of Antietam…while at the head of his regiment he fell. Now Annie his form is mouldering in the grave. truly Annie the path of glory heads but to the grave…Ira. The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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