Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
War-date Union soldier's battle letter, 5pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. George S. Youngs, [POW Harper's Ferry, Va., 9/15/62], Co. G, 126th New York Vols., Stevensburg, Va., Feb. 10, 1864, in part: "…no more troops but the 3rd Division crossed the river at Morton's Ford. Tuesday's paper gave the credit of the prisoners taken to Gen. Caldwell's division (the 1st) "assisted by another brigade of the 2nd Corps…the prisoners taken at Morton's Ford were taken by the 3rd Brigade…Hays' division did the work. Let their loses testify…Gen. Hays himself dismounted and forded the river saying, "come boys if I can ford it you can"…they scarcely needed the incentive for all were in excellent spirits. Captain [Robert S.] Seabury [MWIA Wilderness, Va., 5/5/64] adjutant General of our brigade…and Col. Baird, who was in command of the skirmish line, were the first officers to cross the river…Feagles was wounded…his leg was amputated above the knee day before yesterday. He made a considerable noise about it and Gen. Hays rode up and asked who was hurt. The lieutenant told him his name and the Gen. says "come, come. simmer down now…there has been men wounded in this war besides you." We could always tell where "old Hays" was by the laughter he would excite by his original remarks. When the shell which exploded over our Co. burst. Col. Bull was sitting on his horse…near us…his horse jumped and reared. Gen. Hays rode by…looking at the Col., who is notorious for his plunk, he said "Well Bull you did dodge that big one didn't you." The Col. pleaded "not guilty" and swore he would face as many bullets as Gen. Hays. They are both brave men and…always manage…"dutch courage"…which renders them perfectly reckless…before we started…whiskey rations were served to the troops and when we started for camp both officers and men were under the influence of commissary…a majority of the brigade were. Our Captain…was so much so that it was with great difficult he could promulgate. Some of the men would fall down in the mud and lay there perfectly contented. Gen. Hays rode by and was greeted with the most enthusiastic cheers…Henry Bellinger has died of his wounds. Lieutenant Shields of Gen. Hays' staff was badly wounded…he will recover…please consider my information in regard to the "Commissary" business as strictly private…G. S. Youngs". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. A bit light, else VG
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