Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written, on patriotic stationery, by Pvt. Moses F. Whittemore, Co. C, 51st Ohio Vols., "Camp Wickliffe", KY, Dec. 24, 1861, in part: "…our Co. were much pleased to get their pay notwithstanding it was bank bills. I owe the Sutler $6.50 and paid him…I owed him for clothing…the sum I owed him was small compared with what some others owed…some owed as high as $17.00!!!!I experienced…standing picket. We marched 4 1/2 miles from camp…we were divided into squads…and sent in every direction…little did I [think] the last Christmas that I would in one year…be engaged in the work I am!!…the future is unknown to us…the impulse which caused our armies to lay down the instruments of farms and shops and seize the instruments of death was the love of liberty, the love of Union. We feel entirely willing to encounter the exposures, trials…and dangers of a soldier's life if it will…secure to us and succeeding generations liberty…without being condemned by a Pro-slavery court…If in order to accomplish…this liberty my life is required why I am willing to give it…it is not often that a man has a privilege to offer [up] his life for a Social principle…[and] he is a coward if he does not accept it…Moses Whittemore…". VG
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