Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
War-date Union soldier's letter, 8pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Major Marquis L. Holt, Co. E, 3rd New Hampshire Vols., "Before Petersburg, Va., Sept. 27, 1864," in part: "…you should [not] think of coming back here until your wound is entirely healed for this is no place for a man that is unable to do duty…we have moved from the front…in reserve about a mile and a half from the extreme front and very near the railroad. I can…see the trains pass…reinforcements are almost hourly arriving…no one knows how many men Grant has…and no body cares…when we strike again the rebellion will feel the might of our blow…peace may once more echo from hillside to valley…the health of the regt is somewhat improved…we are only lacking in one or two thinks to make us ready to move against the enemy, one of which is our pay…about that money that I let you have at Hilton Head, I intended to make that a present to you, therefore you kneed not mind about that nor the watch…the news of Sheridan's late victory in the Vally is very cheering and it has caused a great deal of rejoicing here. For each of the victories there was a salute fired all along the line with shotted guns and to the last salute the rebs did not fire a shot in reply…the Johnnys are getting pretty well discouraged…Rodney W. Burdick is now orderly Sergt of Company E and Orvill Goss is a serge…Lieut. M. P. Donley is in command of the company during Lieut. Hazens [Hagan] absence. We have had only one man wounded since we came here and that was Oscar Kemp. He was laying in his tent one night and a bullet came and passed through his hand tearing it badly so that he will have to lose his hand…we have been exceedingly fortunate since we crossed the Appomattox…some regts that have been under the same fire that we was have lost three or four times as many men…we have only 200 men for duty…a few…men yet remain to stand in defense of the flag…we are expecting some big movements…before long…may the God of battles grant us Victory…I get along first rate. My tent is near the major's & adjutant's…I do not have to carry my knapsack…and have no rifle to keep clean…my duties now is to make out all details of of all non commissioned officers…M. L. Holt Sergt. Major 3rd N. H. Vols." VG to near fine.
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