Raynors HCA 2019-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2019
A good war-date Southern citizen's letter, 2 1/4pp. folio, written by a certain "A. L. Gaines," Lloyd's, Essex Co., Va., May 19, 1864, to his Cousin Yelverton, in part: "As there is not a single picket or any one to give information of the movements of the enemy…I will inform you so that you may apprise the military authorities. Four gunboats passed up the river yesterday and stopped at Saunder's wharf landed [some men] and some of the men took possession of all his furniture, but the ladies persuaded the captain to release it. They told them at Mr. Saunder's [Wheatland] that they would not disturb us much this time, but they were coming again when they intended to burn and destroy everything in their reach. They have taken up the torpedoes, or at any rate, they have passed them all and were at Port Micou where last seen…18 steamers or transports are in the mouth of the river…this is merely a reconnaissance…their object may be to bring [mouse chew] to flank Genl. Lee at Port Royal…under cover of the gunboats Grant's army…Genl. Lee and the Rappahannock River. There are several points on the Rappahannock from Leyton's…where artillery might do great execution to gunboats…and prevent them from passing up…some steps ought to be taken to prevent their coming up…Grant can get his supplies and reinforcements by the Rappahannock. There was a petition gotten up…for some kind of military protection upon the Rappahannock river and everybody to whom it was presented signed it without any hesitation except Cousin R. Hunter…we have to look to you to represent us pin this occasion. As soon as things become quiet here…write me what you what and I can get it…A. L. Gaines[?]." Negligible mouse chew affecting lower right, else VG
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.