Raynors HCA 2019-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2019
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Harrison Gibble (Gipple in the CW database), Co. A, 79th Penn. Vols., "Near Cape Fear River, April 20, 1865," to his friend, Henry C. Gringrich, in part: "…we have got glorious news today that peace was declared and…we are to be send home…before long. Our army had much cheering when we got the news of the fall of Richmond and Petersburg and then the surrender of Gen. Lee. We almost got horse but after the notice…was read that peace was declared it made almost the world shutter how we cheered…the men are glad that we have conquered the rebs. Our army was gong hard work this last six months…we had old Joe Johnston on a run all the time since we left Goldboro…we struck for the capital…and after we came within 15 miles of this city (Raleigh) the governor came to meet Genl. Sherman and surrendered the town…next day we marched into the city…and caught many of old Joe's rear guard. We then started next morning to follow his main army and came so close on him…that he sent in a flag of truth [truce]…and we was ordered to stop and lay over till further orders…we laid still for 4 days and now we are waiting for orders to go to some other…place…we lay 3 miles from the river on the road from the river to a town called Holly Springs…we have 23 miles to the capital…I am glad that this unjust war is now coming to an end. It will make many sad hearts rejoice…Mr. Hosteller and Fed. Ensinger…have gone to their everlasting rest…night before last [April 16th] a young man by the name of [David H.] Showers from Adamstown hung himself on a sprout of a tree near camp. Next morning we buried him. He was an old soldier and marched through all…marches and after all [is] over, hung himself…H. Gibble." VG.
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