Raynors HCA 2018-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2018
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. John Elliott (1840-1924) Co. E, 25th Indiana Vols., Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 12, 1863, in part: "…I am now separated from you by a distance of fifteen or two thousand miles surrounded by temptations of all description…you ask me to forgive you for asking if I gamble. You only acted as a mother should…rest assured…I shall never do anything I would be ashamed for you to hear…when I get home you will see the same John with the exception of being a little more sober than I used to be…don't you recall how I used to pinch you just for fun…I recall all about my mischievous tricks. Oh how mad Ann used to get at me and wish I was dead…it was indeed aggravating to be pinched and pulled around the room…shoulder straps compelled me to help throw up breastworks on our advance onto Corinth when I was so weak I could not throw a shovel full of dirt six feet high…the hard-hearted devil…compelled me to march with my knapsack from Shiloh to La Grange…I wished while on that march that death would end my suffering…I started and went about one hundred yards and give out. The doctor [James T. Walker] came along and asked me what was the matter. I told him I was sick. He told me to put my things in the ambulance till we got to town…I walked up to where the captain [William N. Walker] was standing. He spoke to me…"what are you straggling along behind for? Why don't you stay in the ranks." I told him I was sick. "Hell and damnation!"…"you are always playing off." I could hardly resist the impulse to tell him just what I thought of him. The doctor…told him it was no use to try to make me keep up…and cadaverous looks fully testified. "Well"…"you know best" and without more ado…strutted off. I went to the hospital at La Grange…I will never forget the kind old doctor. He is now major [Walker resigned on June 10, 1864] of the regiment…the officer [Capt. William N. Walker]…is not with the company now…since he left I have enjoyed myself as well as I would wish to…John Elliott." Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover. Minor soiling, else VG
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