Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
A nice war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by 2nd Lt. Ira F. Gensel, 4th United States Regular Infantry, [MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Washington City, D. C., 'Duff Green's Row,' Mar. 9, 1862", in part: "…a very little more than one year ago we met…one of the topics of our conversation was the [resent war and…all present differed from my views, particularly Mr. Armstrong…yet much earnestness I depicted the magnitude of the struggle which I believed…was inevitable…then Annie when we was alone don't you recollect my telling you the part I was going to play and that I would be a Lt. in the Regular Army…we have been all excitement…expecting orders to move…I am officer of the guard to-day and have just returned from visiting the sentinels. While making my rounds I was attracted to a small old dilapidated house. I rapped at the door and admittance was refused. I sent for the patrol and broke the door in. My God, what a sight four drunken soldiers were playing cards. A bottle of brandy occupying a prominent place on the table and a little girl 12 years of age dealt out the poison. The poor little thing told me that her father and mother lived about a mile away and that they forced her [to] stay in the building all day and night. Under the floor quite a large quantity was secreted. I…directed the soldiers to spill it all. This…was in Washington City and but a stone's throw from the U. S. Senate Chamber. Truly…a sad commentary upon the Capitol of the Nation…Ira F. Gensel." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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