Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
War-date Union soldier's letter, 7 1/2pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Mathew Halpin, [POW Second Bull Run, Va., 8/29/62], Co. K, 22nd New York Vols., "Camp near Brook's Station, [Va.], Nov. 30, 1862," to his friend Albert A. Fletcher, reading, in part: "…I left Ohio shortly after [I] was ordered to report to my Regt as I was exchanged. We had a break down a few miles this side of Harrisburg [with] three of the cars running of[f] the track and falling over [a] trestle work about 15 feet high. There were about 150 soldiers aboard…some 30 of which had their legs, or arms, or ribs broken, not one killed. I got off with a few bruises…when we got to Washington they sent those that belonged to the 1st Army Corps to Harpers Ferry to join their Regts…it took us some 3 weeks to find our Regts. Where we found…not exchanged. Our Col. said he had no doubt but that we were exchanged, but he had no orders to put us to doing duty…we are the 1st Army Core, 1st division and 1st Brigade. We are about 5 miles from Fredericksburg…they Rebel pickets are on the one side…ours are on the other. Longstreet is in command of the Rebs. There are all sorts of stories…about burning Fredericksburg if they don't evacuate it. They are now paying off the army…Lieut. [James W.] McCoy of Co. B has gone to Albany for 150 drafted men…there are but 5 killed in Co. K. A great many of those we thought dead are only wounded. There are 23 men in our company…Lieut. [Edward F.] Edgely s at Falmouth…the 2 years Regts will be discharged as soon as it gets so we cant move…the mud is knee deep…already, but most of the roads are ion traveling condition…the horse are half starved…they scoured the country last summer and took everything they wanted. What little…left they burned up on the retreat. What one army left the other was sure to take…Burnside burned the dock so that it is rather hard work unloading. Gen. Burnside has his headquarters at White House Plains…the books containing the account of our clothing was lost at Bull Run…our sutler has just come to camp, a sure sign that the paymaster will speedily follow…we sit in a circle round a large fire of rails telling stories…I suppose Lieut. [Clark W.] Huntley is well by this time. The Rebs show a great partiality for officers. We have got but 3 line officers…direct to Mathew Halpin, Port Henry company, Captain Cadwell…Mathew Halpin." Also, included is the original transmittal cover with patriotic soldier design imprint. VG
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