Raynors HCA 2018-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2018
Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Altus H. Jewel [WIA Fredericksburg, Va., May 3, 1863], Co. E, 77th New York Vols., "Camp near White Oak Church, Stafford County, Va., Apr. 10, 1863, giving a great description of seeing Abraham Lincoln and family while going out to review troops while also repeating a well-known event of a New Jersey corporal who gave birth to a baby while on picket duty along the Rappahannock, in part: "…I have been out on brigade dress parade…six regiments of Brigadier Gen. [Albion] Howe & Neal were out…the officers are putting on more good airs…[we] have to black our boots for dress parades…if a man comes out on inspection with dirty clothes, or a dirty gun, they fine him a dollar…we shan't complain as long as we lay here and don't have to march or fight…for the last week we were out on picket and could see across the Rappahannock…could see the rebs drilling…went up…near Falmouth on review…were reviewed by Gen. Hooker & Old Abe…I saw Gen. Doubleday & his wife. The next day…I saw the sight. It was Lincoln and his wife. They were in a covered wagon drawn by four horses…his son…was not as large as Percy & was riding a horse. He was a real nice looking fellow. They were followed by General Hooker, Sedgewick and other generals…then they came back we gave three cheers for them, first for Old Abe, then for Hooker…then for Sedgewick & then we…give three cheers for Little Mc. I don't know what Hooker thought of us for giving three cheers for McClellan, but he is the first & last man that the Army of the Potomac will waster their cheering for…we would cheer three times if we could get him for our commander again. I will now give you a small circumstance that happened in the 37 New Jersey…there is a person in the regiment that…crossed with them into Maryland & at the Battle of Antietam was wounded. While in the hospital it was discovered…that this person was a woman…she returned to the regiment…the colonel of the regiment was informed by the hospital steward…what he had discovered, but the colonel…did not make it known to anyone…she had been promoted to corporal. While they were on picket this corporal was taken sick. She…went to a private house…& had a daughter born…this is a big story…but it is a true one. It was as…surprising to the company…she belonged to as it is to me…the company had noticed that she always tented with one person…when it was her turn to come on duty…her tent mate would take her place…they…never noticed anything in her…appearance to make them mistrust but what she was a man…Altus H. Jewel." With fully detailed transcription. Minor toning, else VG
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