2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2022
A good Conderate soldier’s letter archive written by “A(lonzoo) A. Vanderford” who 12/1/1861, was commissioned into "D" Co. SC 21st Infantry as 2nd Lieut. He was first wounded July 11, 1863. He was again wounded June 24th during the Siege of Petersburg resulting in the amputation of his leg. He died of this July 28, 1864. Datelined Camp DuBose, (SC) November 1, 1863, 4pp, cross-written with transcript, in part, “So the Yanks are still shelling old Fort Sumter but don’t know what they have done. I heard that they knocked down alot of brick on Friday and killed thirteen men, ... We are now about ten miles of the Stono River and the same from Secesionville. We can see the Yankee boats in the river. ... They are too far off to do any damage to us. ... I like this camp as well as old Morris Island ...” Then he continues on a separate sheet, “I will write a few more lines ... Tell your Pa that the lighest plugs make the most money. Light plugs of tobacco I mean ...” .. plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island January 2, 1864, 1863, 4pp, partially cross-written with transcript,in part “The Regt is now on pickett on the Stono River ... This is the coldest weinter I have felt. Last night I like to froze. ... We now have a fine room 8 x 15 with two bunks in it ... a good fireplace and plenty of wood. ... “ ... plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island January 20, 1864, 1863, 4pp,, in part “Our Regt is now on pickett and will come off Friday. The duty is light down herer and and we have a fine place to camp. ... I have today invested $400 in tobacco which will bve shipped up by express to Cheraw ...” ..., plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island January 25, 1864, one page, “I am going over to the city today and if I get a chance I will write from there. ... I am well except a boil on my leg .. ... You must excuse this short letter ...” ...plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island Feb. 6, 1864, 4pp., in part “Maybe you forgot that last Thursday was my birthday. I was twenty-nine years old and almost three years spent in the field. ... Our Regt. is on pickett again ... I expect that I had better have one of the coats cut here at the tailor shop.....” ... plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island Feb. 10, 1864, 4pp., in part “The duty our Regt. now has to do is very heavy. ... Col. Colquit’s Brigade left here today towards Savannah ... The officers sent a memorial to Gen. Beauregard saying that they fought under him and were willing to still remain under him during the war ... “ ... plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island Feb. 17th 1864, 4pp., in part “The only clothing I now have in camp one pair of pants, one vest, and one jacket. ... I tell you don’t send my best clothes ... You can pack them in a small box and ship them to me in care of Woodword Express Office, Charleston. .... Captain Tarth has gone to the City and has been gone all week, a witness in court martial. ....” ...plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island Feb. 20th 1864, 1pp., in part “I again write you a few lines .. I am well .. but very cold. ... Kepp the flour and if it goes up to 150 sell enough to pay for all ...” ... plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island March 9th 1864, 2pp., in part “The wagon has just come from the City and brought the jeans. ... I have benn doing some very heavy duty for the last ten days. Today I have been on drill time and tomorrow on camp duty. ... I have been in command of the Company ever since Sunday. ....”. plus, Datelined Camp DuBose, James Island March 12th 1864, 2pp., in part “... we have just received orders to go to Fort Sumter tonight and stay twelve days. ... The Yanks don’t shell it much now. ...” ... plus, Datelined Camp Chavis, James Island March 27th 1864, 2pp., in part “We got back from Fort Sumter Friday morning. ... I am sorry to tell you that my own foolishness has caused me to loose my furlough for 15 days. ... If I get off I will be at home one day this week. ...” ...plus, Datelined Secessionville, James Island April 4th 1864, 1pp., in part “I went to the City to get a vial of Rouches Embrocotion but could not get a bit. ... I am well. Just off pickett. The Yanks are very near us, but don’t think that they will trouble us for awhile. ...” ... plus, Datelined Secessionville, James Island April 10th 1864, 2pp., in part “I lodged my application this morning ... the duty is very heavy. I am on picket or trench guard every other night ... we have been expecting the enemy to attack us now for three nights ... “ ... plus, Datelined Secessionville, James Island April 12th 1864, 2pp., in part “I must be here, very heavy duty ... the Cavalry have all left the island. That I think is the reasons of furloughs stopping. ...”, ...plus, Datelined Secessionville, James Island April 12th 1864, 2pp., in part “Yesterday evening an order was read out that all furloughs are suspended ... They are orders from the Secretary of War. ... It seems the Yanks are going to make an attack all around ... They say if they are not successful this spring and summer, that the war will have to close without subjugation of the Southern States. ...” ..., plus, Datelined Camp in the Woods near Petersburg, May 11th, 1864, pencil 2pp., in part “The Yankees have burnt up 15 miles of railroad between Weldon and Petersburg and between Petersburg and Richmond, about six miles of railroad is burnt.There about 20,000 of them. ... We are now camped in a large field about 2-1/2 miles from Petersburg. The people are very kind .. they are very attentive to the wounded. I will let you know the names of killed and wounded in our company ... Eleven in all. ....” ... plus, Datelined, In the trenches near Bermuda Hundred, May 21st, 1864, pencil 2pp., in part “We are now in the trenches in front of the enemy and everything is quiet except a little skirmishing ... Gen. Beauragard is still her and has the Yanks just where he wants them ... I want you to keep the the papers that contain the lists of the killed and wounded. ...” ..., plus, Datelined Gaines Mill, Va., June 4, 1864, pencil 2pp., in part “I am now at the front, that in the rear of the line of battle.I am not much sick, only broken down. They have been fighting for the last three days here and we have whipped them in every batlle ... But old Genl R.E. Lee and Genl Beauregard know what they’re doing ...” Vanderford was wounded only weeks after this letter.
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