2020-07 2 sessions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2020
Early war-date Union soldier's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Stephen A. Dodge, Co. D, 3rd Maine Vols. [KIA Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862], Washington, D. C., June 16, 1861, to his "dear brother", in part: "…in the afternoon…the regiment started for Meridian Hill…where [we] are encamped. On our way we passed the White House, saw President Lincoln at the door…a heavy shower…drenched us. The colonel [general Oliver Otis Howard] gave orders to discharge the muskets…they went at it helper shelter. One fellow was shot through the leg, also a number of bullets went whizzing among the tents of the first Maine regiment…some of them…were [in a] good mind to fire upon us thinking we were [?]. The 3 Maine erg are encamped in a row…a good many growl pretty hard and declare that they will not serve more than three months…we have not been sworn into U. S. service yet for three years. We are 2 miles from the city and in sight of 6 regiments…there are 54 regiments within 8 miles of us…there are no Federal troops north of us only the picket guard. None of our soldiers are put on picket guard. They are stationed 2 miles out and are composed of regular troops mounted on horses. One gets killed occasionally by the rebels but they keep squads with them. Spies prowl round the camp. They can get quiet near for our guards are mounted near the tents…we tore down 2 miles of board fences…it is as hot here as it is the hottest days in July in Maine…2 have been sent home, the one shot and another from Dresden was sick…marching through Boston he liked to fell down in the street with fatigue…S. A. Dodge." The original U. S. congressman free franked transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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