Raynors HCA 2018-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
Group of seven (7) war-date Union soldier Autograph Letters Signed by Henry J. Jenks, 14th New Hampshire Infantry, killed at Cedar Creek, Virginia, on October 19, 1864, reads in part: “...[3/15/1863 Poolesville]They have not yet caught the rascal that shot the band boy, but feel satisfied they know who did it. A young man was in the village that afternoon, who was a little sprung and said he would kill the first Yankee he see...so many spies have been arrested...[2/11/64 Harpers Ferry] Our men are now doing picket duty, some posts are 8 miles out...Col. Wilson came this morning, his health seems better...[2/17/64 Harpers Ferry] we are sending out pickets and scouts in various directions...Col. Wilson is now with us. Col. Barker has resigned but has not yet got his papers...[4/28/64 Camp Parapet, Lousiana] A very sad affair happened close to our camp yesterday resulting in the death of a little girl. It seems by the stories I hear that a pedler who came into camp, stopped at a house and was fixing his pistol which was low and by accident it did discharge and entered the lung of the girl, she lived but 20 minutes not speaking after she was shot...Polly is very ignorant and places but little confidence in any one and has a very high temper, will get mad at most anything as she is suspicious of all and is ignorant she don’t know when they impose up her and thinks that they do when they don’t. She has had two children by a white man, one died the other sold when 12 years old. She said that she sucked her massas children. She said that white woman never suckled their own children but have their niggers do it...She said she suckled them utnil they were 2-1/2 years old. Hug the niggers when they grew up as they are blood to blood, flesh of their flesh...I saw an old man out haying two days ago whcih said he was 99 years old, had always been a slave but thank God he can die a free man...[6/29/64 Morganza, Louisiana] We send out 28 each day on picket...[7/12/64 Algiers, Lousiana] I went over to New Orleans last Saturday found business pretty lively and the city looking clean and ncie, and the market full of goodies...I cannot tell but presume we are to join Gen. Butlers army...It is awful putting 1000 men on a boat this warm weather....[10/15/1864 Cectin Creek, Virginia, 4 days before he was shot in the head and killed in action] There was quite a smart little fight ...The result of the battle I have not learned... .we expected to fight them in the morning, but when morning came in Rebs were not to be found for several miles...I was interrupted from my writing yesterday to make out a report of our loss of the 19th to send to the Adjt. Genl. of the State of N.H. We learnt last nigh the Rebs have been reinforced and now occupy Fishers Hill....I should not be surprised if we had another battle with them. We are in a very strong position...Whether Genl. Sheridan will think it policy to attack them at Fishers Hill I know not. All this department have perfect confidence in him, there fore we feel he will act wisely, but I pray another bloody battle may not occur in this valley...if we fight them it will be a hard battle...Oh, Cruel, Cruel War, when will thy blood hand be staid. But dearest I must close dont worry for me, love to you and the children...” Fine condition.
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