Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A good war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by 2nd Lt. Ira F. Gensel, 4th United States Regular Infantry, [MWIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 died 12/28/62], "Camp at Cumberland, Va., May 14, 1862", in part: "A march of 14 miles yesterday finds me…at Cumberland on the banks of the Pamunkey river…like all other places without the…exception of Williamsburg two or three house near each other and you have a town with a name…we are near Genl. McClellan's Hd. Quars. on a high piece of ground overlooking the whole valley. From this point…I can see the encampment of Genl. Fitz John Porter's division, also that of Gen. Keyes Corps…Franklin's division and the whole artillery reserve. In the New York Illustrated newspaper…you will have the view as I saw…of the artists traveling with the army taking sketches. The view of Yorktown & Gloucester Point…the scenery around Gen. McClellan's Hd. Quars. at Camp Winfield Scott were very accurate…there is also an artist along taking photographic views. I passed him this morning. He was then engaged [in] taking a group of all the slaves on the Cumberland Plantation. He has been busy at it ever since the army left Washington. The Pamunkey is a fine little river, not more than a hundred yards wide…however very deep…vessels of the largest draught ascend it…without any difficultly…large quantities of supplies required for the army are brought almost in their very midst by water. Several of our gunboats left here today for the White House [Landing]…what a fine country this would be were it not for "the curse of slavery…we are advancing slowly but surely on Richmond. A few days more and the war will be decided…the enemy are in force ten miles this side of Richmond and are going to contest every foot of our advance. It may be so, but don't believe it. After deserting their strong fortifications at Yorktown…they will never show fight again in Virginia…I may be deceived-but we'll see. A order has just come for me to attend a court martial as a witness. Must stop…10 o'clock P. M….this evening Wm. H. Seward accompanied by Gen. McClellan and staff reviewed the army…a grand affair, wish you could have seen it…Ira F. Gensel." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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