Raynors HCA 2019-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2019
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., by Pvt. Abner Schopp, Co. C, 122nd Penn. Vols., "Camp near Falmouth, [Va.], Dec. 9, 1862, in part: "…we are…at this camp about four miles from the Rappahannock…we expect to cross the river before long…we have about two inches of snow here…let the rebels catch cold toes…they can stand it less then we being as they have nothing to wear except a thin summer garment, no shoes and without shelter tents. Oh, sinner Rebels why cant you see your folly…it will cost all our toes and even…our lifes to preserve our noble Union…it is really remarkable to hear the soldiers talk about the war. There seems to be a great dissatisfaction…on account of doing the work so slow…[and] cold snow killing off the poor soldiers…Abnar Schopp." ... Plus; a war-date, ca. August, 1862], 4pp. 8vo., partial letter by Schopp, reading, in part: "…it was astonishing to witness with what coolness the men formed into line…ready at any moment to do terrible execution among any of the 'rebs' who could be fool-hardy enough to face so formable foe as the Lancaster County boys…of the 2nd Lancaster County Regiment [The first, being the 79th Penn. Vols., see Gibble's letters elsewhere in this catalog.] We saw no rebels…the next morning, after an expected fight at Fairfax we took up our line of march…in the direction of Centreville…we were again hurriedly formed into line. The rebels were supposed marching upon us with an immense force…we made a march…to Minor's Hill…to guard a military road…Rebel cavalry were…constantly hovering around us. An artillery fight took place about a mile & a half from here…we heard the firing but did not know what it meant…met my brother William [Stauffer] of Capt. Barton's Co., 1st Pa. Res. He has been in service 15 months and was in two battles. One at Richmond & the other in the late fight at Bull Run. In both of these engagements he escaped unhurt…we left Miner's Hill…and retired early expecting good night's rest. We were roused however about midnight & ordered to pack up & march off 'double quick' to save our lives…we marched until sunrise to Fairfax Seminary…they must have expected an attack…then marched until evening to Ft. Richardson, another beautiful place, 3 or 4 miles from Washington. We proceeded at once to occupy the rifle pits…we are literally surrounded by forts and breastworks. There are no less than 6 or 8 strong forts in about a mile…". Both VG. (2 letters)
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