Raynors HCA 2018-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2018
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written on patriotic stationery, Pvt. Mason K. Sturgeon, Co. G, 6th United States Regular Cavalry, "Camp East of Capitol, Washington, D. C., Dec. 3, 1861", in part: "…Swan & I were over at the grand review on the other side of the river. It was a sight worth seeing 70,000 troops in all…General McClellan was the reviewing officer. He is a fine looking man, but looks like one worn down by fatigue. Our Regt. was reviewed again today by Gen. Cook [JEB Stuart's father-in-law, Brig. Gen. Philip St. George Cooke]…every man had to…black his boots, put on extra polish on his saber & etc, roll his blanket…& buckle it on the saddle. Nose bags & picket ropes were also put on. Our horses are generally good…about as good as they make…if you were a young man & had a notion of joining the army, if you could see the cavalry drill…you would enlist in no other part of the army. It is beautiful to see them make a left or right turn, the pivot halting & wheeling flank coming around on the trot or gallop…occasionally a horse slips up & the rider is sent to his quarters with a sore shin or broken arm. While out on review today 3 of our Co. were thrown as far as…could be, were not hurt. One had his saber broke into [two]…all is quite on the Potomac, have not been taken prisoner nor have…had a chance to be…do not intend to be…please excuse all blunders for this was written on double quick time…M. K. Sturgeon." Minor soiling, else VG
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