2021-10 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/15/2021
Union soldier's letter, 6 1/4pp. 8vo., written by 1st Sergeant Charles J. Baxter, Co. F, 27th New Jersey Vols., "Camp opposite Fredericksburg, Friday, Jan. 23, 1863," to his family, reading, in part: "We have been under marching orders during the last two weeks - it was the desire of our colonel that we should hold a more responsible position tan given us at the last battle - after dark in commenced raining - & after packing our knapsacks went to bed hoping we would not be disturbed - the Orderly's call was beaten at 11 o'clock summonings said dignatures to headquarters in double quick time. We then recd. the very unpleasant intelligence that we were to be in readiness to march at half past three & under arms - I accordingly dismissed all ideas of sleep -daylight came. We were in readiness. The rain poured down - since then we have been in continual readiness - Burnside intended to attack the enemy again at this Point - if Providence had not hindered we would have had another repetition of the Fredericksburg affair. Burnside felt confident of success - such was his opinion at the last battle - [Sunday, 25th] - I expressed the belief that we would not move - we left at 4 o'clock on Friday night & marched three miles up the river, encountering mud puddles which I will say nothing about as I cannot do them justice - a battery - we were to support. As it was too dark to select a camp ground when we arrived at the battery we stayed on a high knoll just above the village of Falmouth without striking tents - making the night a very dreary one for us. Saturday morning instead of selecting -camp ground - orders were countermanded & we had to sling knapsacks again & retrace our steps to another battery - just above Fredericksburg & in plain sight - is the monument of Washington's mother. The city & line of Rebel fortifications also appeared - we can see the enemy relieve their pickets - hear the train that comes to Fredericksburg - we are sent here for the Rebel's to look at & are to make ourselves as conspicuous as possible. When on drill must spread ourselves so as to resemble a brigade or division - another of the Vernon volunteers died Friday night. His disease was Typhoid fever - I did not see Dock [with his money] as you surmised. Uncle Sharp came to the old camp - after we left & also shortly after John Henry had been removed to Acquia Creek Hospital. Nicholas Reyson happening to be in the Brigade Guard was left behind & saw him. He was so fatigued by his journey & anxious to see Jno. Henry that he did not come up to see us - I do hope he will come & see us yet. John Henry (I am happy to say) is much better. It was believed by his physician & everyone else that would surely die. There is now a prospect of his getting well - Chas. Baxter. [Sunday evening] - two hours ago we recd. orders to be in readiness to march at twelve o'clock. Where we will go I do not know - our Col. says he knows - but for reasons of his own keeps the information to himself - he says we are going to help Burnside - our march is a long one - we have our camp very nicely fixed. Our accommodations are good as a soldier need wish - C. J. B. - " Minor spotting, else VG.
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