2021-10 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/15/2021
Union soldier's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by 1st Sergeant Charles J. Baxter, Co. F, 27th New Jersey Vols., "Camp opposite Fredericksburg, Sunday, Jan. 18, 1863," to his sister, reading, in part: "-we are under marching orders - what the movement has in store for us I do not know; perhaps we cross the Rhappahannock again - appearances indicate a forward movement - if such - we will not cross the river at the old place as the opposite side of [the river] is so strongly fortified as to make it impossible - [I] had a good opportunity to view the entrenchments. The number on the sick list seems to be daily growing. John Henry [Baxter] is still worse than he was when I last wrote - it is hard for me to look the fact squarely in the face, yet I fear he must die. I have (after patient & preserving endeavors) succeeded in getting him removed from our tent to the regimental hospital where he can receive , but poor care compared to that which would be given at home. [Sadly, John Henry Baxter [1848-1863] died on January 27, 1863. His cause of death was listed as disease. He is buried at the Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Susex Co. N. J.] - Orderly [Sgt.] is still on the sick list - his face has grown so long - that I feel - for him. I have to shoulder his duties. We recd. a splendid lot of rifles today in the place of our muskets - we can now face the doughy Rebs with much more courage & confidence - a letter from Uncle Sharp to John Henry came to hand last night. He seems to have been ignorant of John Henry's illness I wrote him an answer in the place of eating my dinner. He sent two dollars to John Henry with which - to purchase something that would ad to his comfort, but - he cannot eat. I cannot make it benefit him - your Brother, Chas. J. Baxter." Minor soiling, else VG.
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