Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A great Union volunteer's letter describing the funeral of Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, meeting Abraham Lincoln; having a conversation with him, and of witnessing his first battle. Immediately following the surrender of Fort Sumter, Ira F. Gensel of Doylestown, Pennsylvania volunteered as a private in a ninety-day militia unit. On April 28, 1861 he became a private in Company I, 25th Pennsylvania. His unit was immediately sent to Washington, D. C. to help defend the capitol. After the expiration of his service with the 25th, he was appointed second lieutenant in the 4th United States Regular Infantry. Subsequently, he was mortally wounded in battle at Fredericksburg and died of his wounds before New Year's day 1863. His historic letter, 6pp. 4to., written from "Washington City, Arsenal Grounds, May 27, 1861, reads, to his friend Annie, in small part: "…an engagement was going on directly opposite our quarter…in Virginia. The sight of the smoke arising from the conflict…I could plainly see. It turned out to be a n engagement between the Secession picket Guard and our own men. Our troops were at first repulsed and driven. They however rallied and drove them off returning with 150 head of cattle which are considered a prize by the soldiers…yesterday morning our company in a body marched to the East Room of the White House to pay their respects to the remains of the Gallant young, but now lamented, Col. Ellsworth. He was lying in state in the East Room in a most beautiful metallic coffin, wrapped in the Stars and Stripes. It is said he was young, handsome and intelligent when living. He looked beautiful when dead. In the room near the coffin sate President Lincoln, Gen. Scott, Wm. H. Seward, Chas. Sumner & Caleb E. Smith…quite a number of the officers of the army and many whose names I was unacquainted with. The funeral procession was grand…during the fight Lincoln, Seward, Smith and several other distinguished men drove in front of our quarters to witness it…we all had a talk with them. They inquired where we were from and said they were glad to see such a fine company of men from Bucks Co.[unty, Penn.] The President is a fine man and has very popular manners. We were all pleased with him…regiment after regiment is passing over the bridge. Since Thursday last we have been under marching orders…I have been appointed a Lieutenant in the army and will very soon, after my period of service with the Guard expires, be detailed for duty somewhere…if the war continues which it certainly will…Ira F. Gensel." Very minor toning, else VG
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