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., Mar. 27, 1863," in part: "…what causes me to be here sitting on some little poles with…blankets thrown over them? It is war and nothing else…war with ourselves, brother with brother and friend with friend…but still there is pleasure in war…as I sit here…I hear…merry voices of happy men who are…playing ball, pitching quotes, playing cards, telling stories…or perhaps…the ring of some soldier's gun…he is cleaning…rumble of baggage wagons…mingling in the sweet notes of a brass band or the beat of a drum…but still we are happy…look at the other side of the question, the Conscription Act. Were we at home…enjoying the…"blessing of society" what would be the consequences. We would stand in fear…knowing not but the next day we might be ushered into the ranks, unprepared to go…there has been more seethes in your home circle than there has been in our regiment…as for society with the female kind it is not here…as for cares we have none. If we live until the next day it is all right and if we don't it is the same…the mud is pretty well dried up now…the ballon is up now again down toward the river from here…Altus H. Jewel…". With fully detailed transcription. Light soiling, 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.