Raynors 2020-05 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2020
War-date Union soldiers letter, 4p. octavo, Camp of Starvation, February 1, 1865, with excellent content it reads in part: "...I go on picket and the Rebs are 500 yards off. Some Johnny's desert to us, and some of our boys go over to the Rebs…There were 5 of our men shot last week, caught deserting from the 2nd New Hampshire. There were 20 men detailed out of our company to shoot them, and I was one of the them, and it went hard to do it, but whatever your officer says you must do, you do it. Our guns were taken from us, and loaded, and then the 5 men was sat on a log, had their eyes tied up - we stepped back 10 paces - ordered to take aim and fire - all shot through the head, I do not know if my gun had a ball in it. There was a big hole dug, they were thrown in, and covered up. They do not put bodies in bags as others. There is a law passed that if you shot some one deserting, you get $130.00 reward, and a furlow for 20 days. I watch the backs sharply for I need the money…" Unsigned. VG.
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