2020-07 2 sessions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2020
Early war-date Union soldier's letter, 2pp. 8vo., written, on "United States Capitol" stationery, by Pvt. Stephen A. Dodge, Co. D, 3rd Maine Vols. [KIA Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862], Washington, D. C., July 4, 1861, in part: "…the night before the fourth bonfires among the encampments were seen in every direction. The fourth was ushered in by the firing of cannon. I…went down to the city with Woodbury…before we started got our new suit which is all navy blue…me and Wood went down to get our pictures taken…I gave fifty cents for it. In the city there was a review of N. Y. tropes, about twenty regiments by the President and Gen. Scott. They were on a platform before the White House…after got the pictures went up to the Capitol…was in the Senate chamber galleries when it organized got sight of [Hannibal] Hamlin, Charles Sumner, [Andrew] Johnson of Tenn. Sec. John C. Breckinridge. After Senate adjourned I went into the House of Representatives…in time to witness the election of speaker [Galusha A. Grow] which was done very quick. Heard his speech which you will see in the papers. The galleries were crowded full. Saw all of the Maine delegation. There were a great many visitors in the Capitol, great many soldiers…soldiers…in the city the fourth…was to be seen in every direction in every store and grog shop. A very few of our Regiment got drunk frothy have not any money. Heard…that we would not get any more money till August…our Colonel [general Oliver Otis Howard] has got smart again [is well from being sick with cholera]…no movements of troops since the 2 Reg. left here…moved into Virginia…but it is the opinion that as soon as Congress acts there will be a grand demonstration…immediate action is strongly urged…Stephen A. Dodge." Minor toning, else VG.
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