Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
War-date Union soldier's battle letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Sgt. Mathew Halpin, [POW Second Bull Run, Va., 8/29/62], Co. K, 22nd New York Vols., "Camp of the 22d N. Y. S. V., [Falmouth, Va.], Dec. 21, 1862," to his friend Albert A. Fletcher, reading, in part: "…Gen. Burnside is going to walk straight to Richmond. What do you think of our dance across the Rappahannock[?] We had a pretty rough time of it there. Ours…Doubleday's division was on the left. We lay about 4 miles below Fredericksburg. The hardest fighting was in the centre and right. The left was one continual roar of artillery. Our fellows worked hard to silence the Reb's batteries, but they fired with terrible effect on our infantry. We were drawn up in line of battle on a large flat, a good mark for rebel artillery to play on. Our Regt. was in advance so that most of the shells went over our heads. Towards night on the 2d day they fired grape and canister and hit 4 out of our Regt. None were wounded seriously. They retreat back across the river was one of the best conducted movements of the war. A heavy wind blowing in the direction of the river favored our movement. We knew nothing of where they we were going…the Rebels never suspected our leaving until next morning when they see the plain vacated that was the night before covered with men. There is great speculation in the papers as to what this movement is. Some call it strategy, but here we call it another grand skedaddle. Our Regt stood picket guard on the 18th. We were on one side of the river, the Rebs on the other…it froze hard. They wind blew like fury and there was no shelter whatever…the army is going into winter quarters. They are putting up large bakeries [at] White Plains, Falmouth & Brooks Station…direct to Sargt. Mathew Halpin, Co. K, 22d Regt. N. Y. S. V…Mathew Halpin." VG
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