Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
A great war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by 2nd Lt. Ira F. Gensel, 4th United States Regular Infantry, [MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Camp on Battle Field near Williamsburg, Va., Aug. 16, 1862", in part: "On my arrival in camp after my return from Gen. Hd. Quars…I found the division ready to move…Thursday night we marched until after midnight…yesterday in crossing the Chickahominy and again bivouacked…at 10 o'clock we passed through Williamsburg and have halted on the battlefield…within sight are seven of the earthworks which they used against us with so much advantage in that first battle of the disastrous and disagreeable campaign of the Peninsula. Tomorrow morning…we will march thru Yorktown the place I thought we would march to after that is done…we will go to Washington…our march has been through the valley of the James River and through a most beautiful country. None of the desolation and horrors of war was visible. The country green and the crops growing. The march has been a forced one and…very fatiguing and were it not for the cloudy and favorable weather many of the men would have perished. The pontoon bridge over the Chickahominy is over three quarters of a mile in length and said to be one of the finest ever constructed. Williamsburg next to Jamestown is the oldest settlement in Virginia and is a vile Secession lyre. The men are all away but the women are at home and the town appears to be full of them…I saw some at the windows and one of them was almost in ecstasy clapping her hands and saying "good, good the Yankees are retreating". Near where I am writing and under a large cherry tree are the graves of many of our poor soldiers who were killed on this battle field-Poor fellows. They sleep quietly…may not the crystal tear be coming down the cheek of some mother, wife, sister or child who mourns their loss…Ira F. Gensel." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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