February 23rd, 2012
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2012
A good war-date Union soldier's letter written by Commissary Sergeant Draper Smithone page on patriotic letterhead for the 69th Pennsylvania Regiment with author's address on verso, 8vo, Poolsville, Maryand, n.d., to unknown recipient. Commissary Sergeant Draper Smith served with the 69th for nearly four years commencing in August, 1861. At war's end he was the regimental quartermaster. The 69th Pennsylvania was largely an Irish organization. These sons of Erin followed a green regimental flag in every major Eastern campaign from the Peninsula through Appomattox. This letter was likely written in late February, 1862 since its author refers to the recent capture of Roanoke Island, NC and the fall of either Fort Henry or Donalson in Tennessee. The letter reads in part: "There is great rejoicing over the late glorious victory out west and Rhonoke Island…In regards the present war things are coming to a focus, but how eventually it will be settled no one can conjecture. I predict a war with England yet - which country I could fight with a will…" VG.
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