Raynors HCA 2019-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2019
War-date Union soldier Autograph Letter Signed by Henry McGrath Cannon, 16th New York Cavalry, 8pp. octavo, Vienna, Virginia, April 23, 1865, and reads in part: "…It was a sad thing about President Lincoln. It came so unexpected that it struck every man with bewilderment. We received the sad news by signal here - one at Flint Hill and at Fairfax Court House - so that we can hear the news by telegraph at all times a day. As soon as we heard of the President being murdered, we were ordered out to scout through the woods. My regiment and the 8th Illinois and the 13th New York established a skirmish line fifteen miles long which reached from Fairfax Station to the Chain Bridge across the Potomac river. The men were from 50 to 60 feet apart so if Mister Booth had come across the river, he would not of had much chance for escape…Well Monday came and the rest of the regiment came and they were not allowed to cross the Aquaduct Bridge until Wednesday morning when they came to the funeral. Our regiment was in the procession and also the 8th Illinois of our brigade. Our regiment displayed a most beautiful appearance. We have a splendid band that sets it out and makes things look better. It was a splendid day…I shall never forget that day as long as I live…We had great rejoicing when the news came that Gen. Lee had surrendered. The battery that is here went to head mortar of the brigade that is at the court house and they fired a salute of 200 two hundred guns.." Very good condition.
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