Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A great war-date Union soldier's letter, 3pp. folio., written by Corp. Robert A. Hubbel, Co. K, 14th New York State Vols., Gaines Mill, Va., June 22, 1862, reading, in part: "We are still laying under arms at this camp…across the Chickahominy however the Rebels are in our immediate front…they have quite a number of batteries…it would be folly for infantry to attempt a crossing until we have planted some…siege guns which we are now erecting earthworks for…our Regt…throwed up a place for 6 100 lb guns…we will silence one or two of their most formidable works. Our pickets are within talking distance and papers have been exchanged…now an order is that we have nothing to do with them. They have orders not to shoot pickets…but to shoot sharpshooters and officers yet shooting is done almost daily…some 300 prisoners were taken besides burning and destroying some $50,000 of commissary stores…yesterday Butterfield's brigade moved about 1/2 mile to the rear as shells were thrown in their camps. Only one was killed…but it was better that it was done…fro a deserter…we learn that the troops in the immediate vicinity of Richmond are in want of many things and are becoming greatly demoralized. A letter…from [2nd Lt. Richard] Esselstyne [25th New York WIA & POW 5/27/62 Hanover Court House] states that my…account…of the Hanover fight was the best he had heard. Poor Dick is dead [died at Richmond of wounds on May 31st]…our Genl. says Dick was wounded and taken prisoner and when they retreated they took him along…it is more than probable that the fatigue of the journey was as disastrous to him as the wound…2d Lieut. [Fayette] Butler has been appointed 1st Lieut. and assigned to another company. Our 2d Lieut. is named Ellis…we like him very well. The prospect of a battle soon coming off is not very certain unless they attack us…we will act on the defensive. Orders came at daylight…to be in readiness to fall in at a moments notice…we have not moved. Our arms are stacked…R. A. Hubbel." Minor spotting, 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.