2021-10 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/15/2021
Union soldier's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by Sergeant Charles J. Baxter, Co. F, 27th New Jersey Vols., "In camp near Arlington Heights, Virginia Wednesday morning, Oct. 27, 1862," to his family, reading, in part: "-the scenery from - our camp is delightful. The Potomac thickly dotted with all kinds of craft - our situation also commands a splendid view of Washington & Georgetown including the Capitol & Washington's monuments - our camp ground is notable because of being on the premises of the Genl. Lee the commander in chief of the Rebel army. His residence stands on an eminence about a quarter of a mile off in the midst of a beautiful grove which partially conceals it from view. A beautiful specimen of the U. S. flag waves over it, very much to the chagrin of course of its quondam owner. Since we come on the sacred soil of Virginia (as it is commonly termed) I realize our nearness to a bitter foe & feel that I stand on dispirited ground. It was here when at the beginning of the Rebellion our National Capitol was imperiled that the enemy stood in force. It has also been the scene of one of the first battles of the war - we are twenty five miles from the enemy - it is customary for packages or boxes (sent to soldiers) to be opened& very often a good portion of the contents confiscated. To prevent my box from being opened I send you an address which you must not fail to put on it. Have it written on the lid with black paint - not omitting the initials J. P. & put only the initials of my name - boxes have come to several individuals - addressed in this way without being opened. Others directed as you do our letters were opened. I would like - another pair of stockings. Those I recd. from the Government are entirely worn out & I have only those left I brought from home - [To Asa] - I think in the whole Regt. there were about thirty rabbits caught. As we were not allowed to shoot & there being no stone fences to pull them out of it was a very nice thing to catch one - Chas. J. Baxter." Minor soiling at the folds, else VG.
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