Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A great war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Robert A. Hubbel, Co. K, 14th New York State Vols., Arlington Heights, [Va.], Sept. 1861, reading, in part: "…"I arrived here all safe and sound…we are quartered in a valley running along the Potomac…about 1 mile from the Georgetown ferry…Fort Corcoran lays about 3/4 of a mile in Northwest direction from us…it is mounted with 64 pounders and [is] in connection with Forts McQuade and De Kalb, command of rifle pits. These pits are embankments thrown up to the height of a man's breast behind which the infantry go at the call and are about 1/2 a mile…in front of said forts…the forts…intend to cover a retreat…you can see nothing but forts, embankments, rifle pits & masked batteries…we are within 6 miles of the Rebels and our pickets are sent within 3/4 miles of the Rebel pickets…what I mean by pickets…3 or 4 men from each company go as far into the country…and hide…watch for the movements of the Rebels. If one is seen strolling…at night they are shot if they can be. In the day time they are challenged and if they attempt to get away they are shot…if they do not run they are commanded to advance. If they give the countersign they are allowed to pass, if not, they are taken prisoners…we have about 200,000 men ready to advance in 1 hour's time. Fort Albany lays about 5 or 6 miles in a southeast direction…from the Chain Bridge…their is nothing but forts…1/2 or 3/4 miles apart…these are all situated that they bear and cover our infantry…we have earthworks thrown up behind which we stand…we are to have no attack from them unless our western division drives them…our brigade was reviewed last Saturday by General McClellan and a more imposing sight I never saw…we are not sufficiently drilled to make a show…we will make an advance in less than 2 weeks …the Rebels have from 100,000 to 175,000 in Virginia. About 80,000 are…in front of our division at Ball's road and Munson's Hill…McClellan will not move unless all is right…I did not have time to stop when I passed by you on the dock but you must not think hard of it. Go up to Hudson as soon as you can and talk with the folks…direct to me at 14th Regiment, Co. K…care Capt. Seymour…Robt. A. Hubbel." Light soiling, else VG.
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