2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
War-date Confederate soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. David F. Kagey (1834-1923), Virginia Danville Light Artillery, (later Hospital Steward 25th Virginia Infantry), "Camp Buffalo Gap, [W. Va.], Friday Night, 11 o'clock, June 28, 1861," to his "Dear Girls," reading, in part: "I am sitting in camp tonight…we had a warm…ride…to Harrisonburg…we pitched our tents & went into camp for the first time…I slept very soundly…I went…to town & had two pictures taken, very hurriedly…one for you & the other to "The old folks at home"…justice was not done me…so said the artist. We left Staunton…this morning & walked most of the way…we are now 103 miles from Beverly…it will take us 7 days to get there…we traveled through a very romantic part of west Augusta…Buffalo Gap is a beautiful spot…we have had the good wishes & smiles of the Ladies all along the route…the ladies insisted on us dining with them, but we declined…this evening I went out to have some coffee browned…the folks would have me to take supper with them, so I did so…the old lady insisted on my taking breakfast with her…I respectfully declined…we are playing the life of a soldier…I visited the Asylum & the Institute for the blind…they are really ornaments of our noble old commonwealth. The latter especially is a most delightful & attractive spot. The blind sing & play most exquisitely. I was completely charmed by their singing & playing 'Dixie,' and also by a very sweet blind girl about 14 or 15. She is very Angelic…I should like to have spent much more time there…write to me at Beverly, care of Capt. [William H.] Rice [WIA, Greenbrier River, West Va., 10/03/61]…D. F. Kagey…". Minor soiling, else VG.
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