Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A good war-date Union surgeon's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Asst. Surgeon William C. Towle 12th Maine Vols., Camp Parapet, [Carrolton, La.], May 12, 1864, to his wife, in part: "…the Regt got to Portland…their furlough is nearly…out now…it it possible that they may not came back here. I don't care much whether they do or not. Our men here are dong heavy artillery duty on the Parapet. I have about 500 men to attend now…the Chicago Battery…came here soon after the battles on Red River having lost their guns, horses ad everything else. All they had when they came here was just the clothing which they had on their backs. The Rebs must be well supplied with wagon trains…for…they have captured all of Steele's…I see fighting has commenced on the Potomac. It is impossible to estimate how much depends upon the campaign in Virginia. Should the Rebs be successful as they have been in this department their recognition would be inevitable but it cannot be. Grant must succeed with such an army at his command. Have they commenced drafting in Maine yet…the medical inspector was here…said that everything looked nice and comfortable for the sick. All of my patients, 14 in hospital, are able to be up and move around out of doors. The colored girl that we have had here I discharged a few days ago. She begun to get unruly since the colored troops have been here. She got a notion of going into their army and spending her time, neglecting her work here. When I told [her] that she must attend to business of leave she bristled up and said 'she could find plenty of work.' I have engaged another one who I think the colored troops will not fancy so much, a regular African…they say she is smart & neat…I was in the city…& met Col. Cyrus Hamilton [80th USCT and son of VP Hannibal Hamilton]. I never should have known him. He has changed very much since he was at Fryeburg [Maine] at school…there is an old negro & his wife who have lived in this place twenty years and a short time ago when they were picking them them up [vegetables]. I gave them certificates that…were useful about the hospital so they let them remain. They often bring me in greens which they have in their garden & seem to be very grateful calling me dear master…Wm. C. Towle. The original transmittal cover is included. VG
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.