Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
War-date Union sailor's letter, 4pp. 4to., by an unnamed crew member of the U. S. Steamer Argonaut, March 4, 1862, "about 7 miles below Nashville", to his wife, reading, in part: "We are tied up for the night…below Nashville…under a fortification which I just visited with a lantern. We had to climb a very rugged bank…more than 100 ft. high. On the top were 12 large guns, 24 & 32 pounders…& had complete cover of the river. They were mostly dismounted & spiked & one was burst. There was one small six pounder & a large amt. of shot & shell. Magazines were constructed under ground & covered with R. R. Iron. There was also breastwork of timber covered with R. R. Iron. At one place a magazine appeared to have been blown up, the Iron being burnt & busted & thrown in all ways & shapes. On hearing of the taking of Ft. Donelson…every body…made a perfect stampede. Over 3,000,000 dollars of commissary stores fell into our hands besides…an immense quantity of ordnance & military stores. We passed Ft. Donelson…noon yesterday. It was a strong point & a great many troops are there. The boat tied up at Clarksville last night…we expect to be in Nashville early in the morning but cannot tell what orders we may get…[March 5th]…we arrived here yesterday & unloaded everything except the men…the teams & baggage are out a mile. We expect to go into camp this morning & remain two or three days. I saw Col. Innes…& Grant…I had charge of unloading yesterday & had very little time to see anybody, or the city…we have been on the boat eight days & the accommodations are poor. It will be a relief to get ashore…your Husband". Near fine.
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