Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
Union General's letter written by Brevet Major General Thomas Howard Ruger (1833-1907), as brigadier general and brigade commander in the 12th Corps, Army of the Potomac, 10 1/4pp. 8vo., "Camp near Stafford Court House., April 7, 1863," to his wife, in small part: "…there was…a grand review of cavalry for the President…the snow storm prevented it…[but] it came off yesterday and was quite a brilliant affair. There were some ten thousand cavalry reviewed. Ten thousand infantry make quite a show and cavalry…the same numbers seem many more than infantry to an inexperienced person. A cavalry force occupies more ground than the same number of infantry. All the General officers of the Army of the Potomac were invited and when together as an escort to the President made quite a display. My coat came just in time so I thought I would go and thereby meet a great many old friends…one classmate I had not seen since graduating. They all told me…that I am very little changed and look as you as when I graduated…I have changed less than many…after the review we were invited to Gen. Hooker's quarters to be presented to the President & take a lunch. The lunch was very acceptable…chicken salad, cold ham, boned turkey, champaign & other luxuries foreign to this part of the world. The President I had seen a number of times before. It was remarked by an odd old Prussian who by some hook or crook was given a captain's commission and is on Gen. Williams' staff (my Division commander)…he had been presented twice to "your President" and [said] that he should remember it as long as he lived. Someone…remarked that he "he should think he would." Captain Munther, no doubt, like many foreigners thought it a great honor. He…speaks English imperfectly and it is amusing to hear him talk…he is one of the simple minded kind. He tells quite a story…[much on a horse trot gone bad]…Munther is one of those persons that mishaps seem to fit…there were several ladies at the review including Mrs. Lincoln who…is on a visit…to the Army of the Potomac with the President. There was another lady present [who is] quite celebrated in this Army. The Princess Psalm Psalm who is the wife…of Prince Psalm Psalm or Slam Slam as some call it. He lives in New York. Is a German was with Fremont in the Valley. He is a colonel of some New York Regt…he is not a very extraordinary genius. His wife has quite [?] manners and quite fine eyes and was very much gratified at what attentions she received…there was to have been a review of one or more Corps of the Army today, but it was postponed until tomorrow…the review ground is within…distance of some of the enemy's guns…it would have been a good time for them to try a little practice yesterday but I suppose they were looking on…Howard." Also included is the original transmittal cover with the partial address: "Mrs. T. H. Rug[er]. Care of H. R. Moore &…Beloit, Wisconsin." Near fine.
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.