Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pennsylvania soldier E. C. Wells, Kearnstown, [Va.], Nov. 14, 1864, to his wife, reading, in part: "…the enemy followed down the Valley and we or rather the cavalry gave them a brush last Sat. and captured a few more men and cannon. The RR is nearly completed to Winchester and that indicates that most of the army will winter near here. We are about 3 miles from Winchester. Fences, forests and old buildings disappear before an army at this time of year…I have just sent to the sutler for $3. worth of butter…for the use of our mess. They sell boots here for $10 to 14 pr pair…I bought a nice flannel shirt at #3. that some of our boys found in a knapsack on the 19th [during the battle of Cedar Creek.] I suppose the Johnnys captured it of some of our sutlers as it has never been worn…In saw the most exciting sight…that I have seen in some time. There are about 20 detailed men about head quarters, orderlies, cooks, teamsters, forage masters etc. The forage master quarreled with the Col's darky concerning feed and being high strung caught an axe and made for ebony and would in all probability have killed him if the officers had not interfered. The Col. had been away and came back just in time to see the fracas. He sent for the guard and had a rail set in the ground and the forage master tied to it. He at first said he would die before he would be tied up for a "d_d" nigger. The Col. sent for the boys in his tent and after examining them had his servant tied to another rail set in a similar manner. If he had not had the darky tied up I am satisfied we should have had a bloody night of it. I never saw a more angry set of men and some of the officers did not hesitate to say that Tom should not be tied up for a nigger. One of Tom's company came along and carried the word to his regiment. Whether they will rescue him by force remains to be seen. I do not think it will be comfortable for the colored person around these quarters after this. Well, Tom is untied and sent to his company and ebony stands at his post. I am glad it did not turn out any worse. Tom came in my tent after his release and said if the nigger had not been tied he should have shot him as soon as he was released and he would have done it…". The original stamped transmittal cover is also included. Light spotting, else VG.
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