2021-10 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/15/2021
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. James O. Johnson, Co. H, 138th Ohio Vols., Drummondtown, Va., August 18, 1864," written to his wife, in part: "I am still among the living thank God and have some strength left though worn and weary of the toils of war - some of our poor boys are very sick, George Brooks & Wm. Brown and John Jukes who is dead. George is better. Wm. Brown is very sad and it is feared he cant live but a day or to. Poor man may God have mercy - if is called from earth may he have a home in heaven - 4 days more to serve and then our time is out - if we get transportation promptly we will be off if God willing - of a camp meeting the Negroes are holding close to our camp. I attend it daily and I must say I never saw such meetings in my life. God indeed is with these people. You would be surprised at the intelligence they have in their worship. Some of them talk like angels almost. Numbers are constantly at the alter crying for mercy some of which have manifested as bright conversions as I even saw in one. I wish you could see them as it would be interesting to you. I wrote a letter for them of invitation to some of their brethren at Eastville to come and help them. I took some pains and got up a pretty good paper - you ought to have seen them when I read it to them. You would have thought they could never cease in their thanks for this little favor. You wrote - that Cris thought he better hire me a sub. I think not as I know from the late decision of Prov. Marshal Fry that I will not be subject to another draft for 3 years if I pay commutation fee - if I were drafted I have no fears as I have been censured for coming out in this service by the surgeon although in meanness he would not take the trouble to try to get me a discharge. If I live to get home I have no fears of having to go again to war as I am not constituted. No examine surgeon would keep me - James O. Johnson." Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover. Minor soiling, else VG.
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