Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
War-date Union soldier's letter, 3 1/2pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Mathew Halpin, [POW Second Bull Run, Va., 8/29/62,] Co. E, 2nd New York Veteran Cavalry, Morganzia, [La.], July 26, 1864, to his friend Albert A. Fletcher, reading, in part: "…we have had some pretty hard cavalry fighting here lately. Last week over 100 Texans charged 50 of us. They came out of the woods & were so unexpected that we did not fire until we were within 2 rods of them. They were mounted infantry & relied mostly on their numbers. After the first volley our revolvers played particular hell with them. Hardly a day passes, but what we have a cavalry skirmish. We are fortifying ourselves on the bank of Mississippi [and is] one large fort & rifle pits around the encampment. We expect an attack or rather the general in command does. 1/2 of our Regt has to lay in the rifle pits nights. Gen. Kirby Smith commands the Rebs…the 2nd N. Y. V. Cavalry belongs to the 19th Army Corps, Gen. Reynolds commands. He is in Washington with most of the Corps. Its awful warm here so warm that Sutlers can sell ice 20 cts per pound. There is some talk of relieving us as soon as they can get colored troops to take our places…we have had more death since we came here than we had before in 2 years. Our 1st Lieut. died the other day after a few days sicknesss…I am not in camp over 2 days in the week…I would make a good guide over this portion of La for 100 miles around…this state is most all planted with corn. You can ride all day & find nothing else…very little cotton & sugar. We use river water for all purposes…several of our men have deserted & gone to Texas to work for the French Government…M. Halin Sargt. E company 2nd N. Y. V. Cavalry." Also included is the original transmittal cover. VG
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