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. 8vo., written, on "Union & Forever" patriotic stationery, by Pvt. Robert A. Hubbel, Co. K, 14th New York State Vols., "2 1/2 miles from Fortress Monroe, [Va.], Mar. 27, 1862," reading, in part: "At last we have arrived at Fortress Monroe…sailed on the 22nd from Alexandria onboard the steamer Mystic. We came with 18 other boat loads…they crowded 300 of our boys aboard with their baggage…the rest of our regt came on…the Nelly Baker. The Knickerbocker carried the 62nd Penn. Vols…we saw the Monitor and you have to look sharp to see her as she looks [?] logs. We saw the Rip Raps and Sewell's with the Rebel flag flying….yesterday we, that is Porter's, and Smith's divisions went on a reconnoissance out to Big Bethel expecting to find a large Rebel force…they were not there, but their camp fires were still burning…they had retreated back as far as Yorktown…we expect to go to Yorktown and have a fight…the Rebels are said to be strongly fortified at that place…the country around here is a swampy, nasty level but well wooded. The Rip Raps is fortified on 3 sides, command the Chesapeake…we were landed at Hampton a town now burned and inhabitants all gone. The Rebels burned it last summer…it is one of the oldest towns in Virginia. It must have been a handsome place…you can easily distinguish Union from Rebel…farms…as all Union are burned and other is left untouched and in good order…between here and Big Bethel which…there [is] a large church there and a store and about 5 or 6 other houses. We passed along the battle ground where our troops we[re] so badly beaten last summer…it is pretty tough work going through woods and over fences…with about 30 lbs. on your back…we…received praise from Genl. Porter…he sent over some tobacco for the boys. At Bethel we got some fresh meat by killing cattle etc. The whites had left and the slaves were there taking care of the premises. We had orders not to disturb anything. We took…3 or 4 prisoners and brought [them] to camp. About…25,000 troops went by the different roads. The negroes say the Confederates are still confident they can succeed…and will drive us from the soil. When questioned about the recent victories you can see they have been deceived…R. A. Hubbel." Light 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.