Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
A good early war-date Union volunteer's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Ira F. Gensel, Co. I, 25th Penn. Vols., [2nd Lt. 4th United States Regular Infantry, MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Camp near Martinsburg, Virginia, July 11, 1861", in part: "…we expected to march on Winchester…I am not particularly pre-supposed with the appearance of the town [Martinsburg]. It is the county seat of Berkley County and has a population of about 4,000 inhabitants. The houses are small. Many of them are only one and half stories high, a style…adopted in Southern villages. They are almost all closed and deserted now, the families preferring to follow…the Secession Army, to staying at home and enjoying the security and protection that would have been secured them by Gen. Patterson. The court house is a very small building and very strangely planned. The exterior presents a very commonplace appearance while the interior causes you almost to blush at the sight of a Southern Temple of Justice. The market house is another quaint looking affair and instead of being occupied by Southern Luck venders is now used as a guard house…the jail which was almost filled by Union men before our army took possession of the town, has been thrown open and they are once more enjoying their liberty. The prettiest place…was the country residence of Chas. J. Faulkner, late minister to France. It is now occupied solely by his wife, two of his sons are in the rebel army and his daughters are at Winchester. While he…dare not return to the United States…he has been in complicity with the conspirators. His slaves showed me through his splendid gardens and park. Yesterday one hundred and fifty barrels of whiskey was seized as contraband goods and emptied into the creek…two hundred barrels of flour have also been seized and have been appropriated by our men to their own use. Martial law is proclaimed in the town and the bayonet is pointed…at the corner of every street..unless you have a pass…you are placed under arrest. Several persons who were strolling around the town carelessly have been shot. I was near Gen. Patterson's Head Quarters when a flag of truce was sent in by Gen. Johnson…what the object was is unknown by me..it is rumored that Jeff Davis is asking for a cessation of hostilities…in favor of immediate compromise. Our scouts returned from Winchester…report a large army there…20,000 men…when the advance is made on Winchester, Col. Stone's command will be the advance and begin the battle…the best arms to be found in the country are in our possession…when the battle takes places you will hear a good account of the Doylestown boys…quite a number of ladies are strolling through our camp and a large crowd is around our band…everything around me is dreary and silent…I heard of my dear mother's death which took place on the 4th of July…don't whatever you do make a drunkard of yourself…I feel as though I would be glad when the moment should come when my spirit should join hers in Heaven…Ira F. Gensel." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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