Raynors HCA 2017-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017
A great Confederate soldier's letter, 2pp. 4to., by Pvt. James F. Cameron, [KIA Gettysburg, 7/2/63], Co. B, 11th Alabama Infantry, "Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.", Mar. 18, 1863, in part: "We was most agreeable surprised…by the the arrival of Lieut. Richardson…with some letters the first male we have received in some time. He came like a bird of an evil oman when the roar of artillery was vibrating on the air disturbing the peaceful quitude of the valley of the Rappahannock. There was a brisk engagement [battle of Kelley's Ford] last evening up river some 10 or 12 miles from the place. We have orders to [be] ready to fall in at minutes warning, but everything [is] quiet along the line today. These little fights is nothing uncommon. I suppose it was some Yankee cavalry trespassing on the [?] ground for Old General Stuart often calls on his Yankee neighbors for a new supply of wagons and mules. He has captured over 2,000 this winter on this line. I expect they will kick up a mitt roar here before long, but we are strongly fortified and has a beautiful position. We are on picket this evening. Dr. Richardson never brought me the clothing mah sent me…[3rd Sgt.] Sam Hill [helped organize the 11th Alabama at Clinton, AL] will bring them. Tell mah I think she is the kindest old mama…tell her also that I will never dishonor her. Let the time get as squarely as they may in time of peace. The boys always boasted of the pluck of their fathers but in these time it [is] the pluck of the mothers. They boast off when speaking of our Yankee neighbors promised visits, but…it requires the pluck of both besides to take part in such frolics as we some times kick up here [in] Virginia. I herd that you had traded for some government horses. You had better not trade for one branded C. S. on him for the first quartermaster that come along will take him from you. I have known this to be the case several times…we are kept very busy working on breastworks, cutting rifle pits and going on picket…Jas. F. Cameron." Most of Cameron's phonetic spelling has been corrected. Expected soiling and folds, else VG.
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