2020-07 2 sessions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2020
War-date Union officer's letter, 3 1/3pp. 8vo., written by 1st Lt. Benjamin C. Pennell, Co. B, 17th Maine Vols. [KIA Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864], "Camp 17th Me. Vols., Sept. 6th, 1863," in part: "…we soldiers watch the mail for letters…the prospect brightens for the closing up of this wicked Rebellion every day. All eyes are turned to Fort Sumter and Charleston…Fort Sumter is…quite demolished and if that falls Charleston must…the Army of the Potomac is now in a state of masterly inactivity (a-la-McClellan)…our time of action will commence again soon. I for one am not anxious for it…unless we are going on to victory. We have one of the master spirits of the present age for a Leader Genl. Meade all seem to have full confidence in him and I hope we shall not be disappointed. Quantrill's Guerrllas have been making sad havoc in Kansas…it is perfectly horrid…is much worse than Indian warfare. Some measures ought to be taken to wipe these fellows from the face of the earth. We have a large number of guerrillas about here…they are not so wicked as those for. Our scouts captured some of them most every day without resistance. They all seem to be hearty sick of the war and declare their determination to remain within our lines until the war is closed…Lieut. [James M.] Brown [KIA Orange Grove, Va. 11/27/63] is one of the lucky ones to get that pardon as he is clear of the [?] We call that huffing. He wishes to be remembered to you. I am enjoying very good health and living in hopes that this war is soon to be closed…Cousin Ben. Capt. Co. B 17th Me. Vols…". Minor spotting, else VG.
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