2020-07 2 sessions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2020
Early war-date Union soldier's letter, 3pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Stephen A. Dodge, Co. D, 3rd Maine Vols. [KIA Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862], "Claremont Farm, northeast Va.," July 12, 1861, in part: "…we are gradually drawing near the enemy. Last Saturday morning we moved from Washington fifteen miles. That brought us…of the city of Alexandria…yesterday we struck tents and moved a couple of miles farther out…four regiments are already here…including Ellsworth's Zouaves [11th New York Fire Zouaves] who will go in advance as skirmishers and they are just the fellows for it. The rebels are afraid of them. We are encamped alongside of the Alexandria and Richmond R. R. which our troops repaired…Ellsworth Zouaves runs the trains now. They run into Alexandria from here, bring out troops, provisions etc. A short distance west of our camp the rebels have burnt the bridge…yesterday afternoon companies went out to protect it. Soon it will be repaired…the trains proceed as fast as we advance and clear out the enemy…we shall move on to Fairfax Courthouse. Col. [Oliver Otis] Howard is a brigadier general. He will quarter with our regiment just the same as before. Good many Secessionists here…some of them are very saucy especially the women. They have more to do than the men for they dare not say much…the regulations forbid us molesting them, but if they go too far with their treasonable stuff, they are taken care of by a military police. Last Wednesday our company went a scouting some distance from our camp. We reconnoitered from a bridge that crossed…a creek near the Potomac River…we did not have any trouble that night. Everyone that passed had to show their pass and if in a carriage be searched to see if they have any arm or contraband goods. It makes the Secessionists dreadful salty to [be] watched so snug. Yesterday morning, four negroes slaves, who ran away from their masters, were brought in by the guards by the Fifth regiment. They keep them for cooks, waiters for the officers. They flock in very fast…S. A. Dodge." The original U. S. congressman free franked transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG.
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