Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A nice war-date Union officer's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by 2nd Lt. Ira F. Gensel, 4th United States Regular Infantry, [MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Camp near Hampton, Va., April 1, 1862", in part: "…I am again amid new scenes…where the desolation of war is exhibited…we passed through the little village of Hampton now alas in ashes and nothing…but the blackened walls. Even the churches of the town have been burned and the sanctity of the grave violated. The church in which Washington often sat and worshipped is a mass of blackened ruins. This…was not the work of our troops but that of the drunken Rebel General Magruder…we are in an open field…at the mouth of the James River. Norfolk is seen in the dim distance. Craney Island…is still nearer while the guns from the Rebel Batteries on Sewell's Point are visible to the naked eye…we have several sail boats but deem it prudent not to use them. The bay os full of duck and geese but shooting is not allowed…the Rebels fired upon us from Sewall's Point, the ball striking in the water about a hundred yards from us…Lieut. Ira F. Gensel 4th Regt. Infantry U. S. A., Genl. Sykes Brigade, Fortress Monroe, Virginia…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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