2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
War-date Union soldier's letter written by Sgt. James S. Stratton, 12th New Jersey Infantry, KIA at Ream's Station on August 25, 1864, 4p. quarto, pencil, Washington, D.C., December 13, 1862, and reads in part: "…I think it was nearly three in the morning when we stopped at Washington. We formed in line beside the cars and marched into what is termed the 'Soldiers Rest' a large building near the depot - large enough for the accommodation of a regt…at nine we marched into a neighboring building nearly similar in size & denominated the 'Soldiers Retreat' where coffee, a slice of meat and a thick slice of bread was furnished us. In the afternoon the regt. marched nearly three miles to the arsenal to exchange arms, but they halted only a moment as the building was closed…We are in a splendid place compared with a regimental hospital, and indeed everything is made comfortable and convenient…I got a pass from Dr. this morning at half past ten and started out towards the capitol - first down 9th St. to Penna Av and down the Av to the Capitol near the Capitol grounds I met Capt. Snowden who informed me that the 12th has just started for their destination he supposed somewhere opposite the mouth of Aquia Creek…A member of the 24th who lies near my bed says he was told by a comrade that the 12th was encamped on Capitol Hill - but this cannot be true…direct Co. F 12th N.J. V. Patent Office Hospital Ward 8 Bed 54 Wash. D.C…." VG.
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