Raynors HCA 2018-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2018
Union soldier's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written, by Corp. Altus H. Jewel [WIA Fredericksburg, Va., May 3, 1863], Co. E, 77th New York Vols., Brandy Station, Va., Nov.18,1863, in part: "…we are encamped near Brandy Station…I had much better pass the time away writing to my aged father than four others…playing pokey, or…'bluff' for money. We got two months pay today…some have tried to get me to play …I have always heard that army life was liable to led young men into bad habits…it is not the case with me…it makes me sick. Instead of learning habits I learn to overcome them…with most of soldiers it is different. There is hundreds in [this] army that if they should…get out…would be of any good to themselves or anyone else. They are young fellows that have been led in by…old fellows…I am glad that I was old enough to see the evils of theirs & had someone to school me on it before I came here. Some don't play cards…but…spend the least farthing for rum to get drunk…there were two deserters branded, one on the right shoulder & the other on the right rump with a letter D…the whole of our division was drawn up to see it done. One belonged to a Vermont Regt. & the other to the 49 N. York…27th day of this month there is a deserter belonging to the 7th Maine…to be shot…our Regiment will have to witness it…in fact the whole division. Hank & Anthony Weatherwax were brought in last night. They deserted last summer…in Maryland & went home…were caught…they will be branded. I don't want to be brant so I shan't desert …A. H. Jewel." With fully detailed transcription. VG
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