Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
Union General's letter written by Brevet Major General Thomas Howard Ruger (1833-1907), as colonel of the 3rd Wisconsin Vols., 8pp. 8vo., "Camp near Sandy Hook, Md., Sept. 24, 1862," to his wife, in small part: "…we have had little or no rest or quiet since the 9th of August. We people are no doubt very anxious to have us push on, but a little rest would be very acceptable. Since the battle I have been in command of the brigade…in relation to…our commanding general…I have no desire to see anyone supersede him. His appointment to the command of the army gave great satisfaction to the troops…I have not heard a person in the army express dissatisfaction even before our victories…the Confiscation act did not…reduce their armies…by a man…the abolishment of slavery, desirable as it is, would not…help us a jot. The way to conquer a country is to whip its armies and cripple its resources. Unfortunately, this is a rebellion and anything that will support life is a resource…I have…had considerable experience in this war and…we cannot abolish slavery by acts of Congress alone…you speak of more severalty…I can hardly arrive at your meaning. You, of course, would not wish to have the present mode of treating prisoners [changed]…to the contrary prisoners are treated as…circumstances will admit. Our soldiers help their wounded on the field and they ours. They have not the means that we have, but…the wounded are not ill treated…I…have found stories circulated of barbarity to be false…there is some truth in what you may read but the greater part is false…the armies are separated by the [Potomac] river. We occupy Harpers ferry however. I do not know anything of the plans…Howard…". Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover, with a blue "Banks' Division" postage cancellation mark, addressed: "Mrs. T. H. Ruger. Care of H. R. Moore & Sons, Beloit, Wisconsin." Near fine.
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