The Sergeant Is Drilling Recruits To Join McClellan at Yorktown

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023

A pair of Union Soldier's letters, written by Milton Powers who enlisted in 11th US Infantry, D Company at Pittsfield, MA, in October 1861 and rose to be 1st Sgt. of E Company during 1863-64. He was wounded at the Wilderness. First letter, 1pp., Palmyra NY, April 25, 1862. In part, "I came to this place from Albany one week ago yesterday I have been drilling recruits since I arrived. ... We are the last Battalion of the regiment ... we expect to get it full by July and August - when it will join the regiment which is now before Yorktown in Virginia with McClellan ..."Second letter, 2pp., Fort Independence, Boston, August 24, 1862, to his sister. In part, "I have transferred from the first Battalion to the 2nd and sent to this fort to drill the recruits that have enlisted in the 2nd. ... we are in expectation orders every day to leave for the Seat of the War as the company are well drilled and fit for service ... You would not know me if you should see me. I am toned up as blocks ... I don't know when I may be in Vermont again if God spared my life and health about two years from this fall ...."

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