Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A great war-date Union soldier's letter, 4 1/2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Robert A. Hubbel, Co. K, 14th New York State Vols., "Camp Winfield Scott near Yorktown, Apr. 26-30, 1862," reading, in part: "…we are still laying in front of Yorktown…we may be here until McDowell makes a demonstration…we are busy throwing up earth…and mounting guns and mortars of large caliber…our Regiment have just come in foam picket…we are not permitted to sleep…stay out 24 hours…picket lines are about the same…notwithstanding several attempts [by] the Rebels to drive us back. Shots are exchanged every day…we are getting quite used to hearing and seeing shot and shell. When on picket Genl. McClellan came out to the lines and…the Rebels…commenced shelling the woods and continued to do so until he retired…almost every time he goes out they commence shelling…thinking to kill him. We still have orders not to fire on them unless in self defense. Contrary to orders a soldier of the 4th Michigan fired and killed a captain…the captain…got out side the lines…mistaking the road and in endeavoring to get in did not take the proper precaution in coming in…he approached with…confidence which was the cause of being shot. This was in the night [of April 18, 1862] and he could have hid in the bush and waited until morning. He was shot in the left side just below the ribs…his name was Capt. Wood. I was well acquainted with him…he was a fine man and his Co. were much attached to him. I have been out on several fatigue parties and worked all night throwing up entrenchments…and mounted 16-32 pounders. We now have a line of battlements extending along our entire front and [we] will mount mortars as soon as we can…the Rebels are as busy as we. They have thrower up rifle pits…and are strengthening themselves as much as possible…the gun boats…throw shell and shot over our heads…they return the compliment…we are landing troops…the other side of York river…to operate against Gloucester…which is also strongly fortified…on our side of the York…water batteries have been removed…but on the other side they have heavy guns, 64 & 72 pounders…some of the balls have been found after having been fired at the…pontoon bridges…Genl. McClellan wished to withdraw as far as Williamsburgh, but Genl. Johnston…decided to remain here. Contrabands and deserters are coming in almost every day…a close watch is kept over the [Confederate] men…it is almost impossible to get away…since a Sergt. came in…was allowed to pass…upon being halted [he] did not…halt…paid no attention to it and the picket…shot him. He…lived long enough…to state that…in the rear of him was 20 more that were wanting to get through…our men should be more careful…the army have confidence in Genl. McC. so all [is] all right…R. A. Hubbel…". Light soiling, else VG (2 letters)
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