Fighting Near Blackwater, Virginia October 1862

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008

A war-date Union officer's letter written by 1st Lt. Selwyn E. Bickford, 6th Massachusetts Infantry, 8p. octavo, Camp near Suffolk, Virginia, October 26, 1862, with small sketch of an artillery boot he wishes to have shipped, and reads in part: "…I wish you to go to McKissocks shoe shop, near Putnam's Grocery and get him to make me a pair of Artillery Boots…In case he does not know what artillery boots are give him this description. The legs come up within an inch of the knee at the front, and are rounded off, and are about four inches lower on the back side and are made of one piece of leather so that the seam comes in the middle of the leg, on the back side. Some have the upper & leg of one piece, others have the leg sewed on about the instep. I am not particular about that, if the seam does not hurt me. I want the legs large so that they will slip over my pants without any trouble. The leg will need to be 13 inches behind and 17 inches in front from top to where the sole join the uppers. They are to be pegged and thick soles. Heavy calf I think will be the best, and if he makes the leg separate, have the leg of grained leather. No red tops, or anything of that kind will be allowed. Tell him to remember my corn on the right foot at this side, on the little toe joint. If he thinks he cannot make a pair to suit me, let it go, and send me a pair of India Rubber boots, No. 7…I wish you to tell Mr. Chase that I wish him to give Davis enough good Indigo blue broadcloth to make me a McClellan cap, same pattern as the field officers of the 6th had, and size 7 small, let him put on M.V.M. buttons on the side, sew on this bugle, and get a new figure 6 for the center, and have a glazed cover made for it…My cap has faded awful, and I can't wear it on dress parade or review…there is one thing I almost forgot, that is 2 great bottles of Scotch Ale, I guess that Chas. Kimball the Liquor Agent will be the best one to get them of…We ha a stunning old march out into the Country last Friday, on a reconnaissance in force toward the Blackwater…there were 1500 cavalry, one battery of artillery and two Brigades of Infantry, in all about 4500 men…Our cannon blazed away at the Rebels for more than an hour, across the river, but we were not answered back. Your desire for a secesh trophy, I will endeavor to gratify to the full extent of your wishes…Officers are very careful not to halt near houses if they can avoid it, as they would inevitably be cleaned out by the soldiers…if we get into a fight, and I do not get killed, I will get stuff enough…P.S. I've recd my commission…" VG.

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