Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A rare, perhaps unique, war-date Union soldier's poem, printed in the field at Stevenson, Ala., in July 1864, 1p. 4 1/4" x 14", with Michigan's state coat of arms printed at the top, and boldly entitled: "First Regiment Michigan ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS," penned by a seemingly disgruntled member 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics warning the men that their record has been less than stealer up to mid 1864, reading, in part: "Who would not like to be a soldier bold, and share the glory I'll unfold…I served the light artillery…for easy times and devilry, is the Michigan Mechanics. The Engineers, Mechanics, too, no dangers have, and dangers few, field fighting seldom ever do…their work is blockhouse, forts, to build …they never claim being soldier-drilled…no trench to guard, or picketing, nor shot or shell disturb the dream…they scour the country front and rear, kill steers, or sheep and such like cheer, the darkey's pigs and poultry fear the Michigan Mechanics. If beer or liquors to be found…our boys will have it, I'll be bound, good luck attends their frolics. They have diversion in their raids, the devil-a lie-the yellow maids like blazes swear…yet saddle the right nag with some; and devil's a man or mother's son…are reverted up by the thumbs…in camp we speak our colonel's fair…when lousy how they frown and swear…he would make a bully brigadier, our colonel of Mechanics. Most of our Majors are a hoax, but none so damn'd mean as old Fox; The devil smite him with small pox…the prayer of every Engineer…if shot, that dog, was in the rear…our Doctors number three in all, the curse of Cromwell on them all, they merit well a chain and ball for life…our captains and lieutenants sure are snakes that charm but to allure. Their venom'd lies are as impure as hell and its satanic. If Corporals for them steal a horse…his reward, for such course, is sergeant of Mechanics…promotions sought whatever it costs, all sense of honor's to them lost, most officers worthless than cost, Engineers or Mechanics." Minor soiling, else VG
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