2023-03 HCA Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023
A small group of Ohio home-front letters concerning news from the front from the sister of Corp. John Waller Bell, Co. I, 73rd Ohio who was mortally wounded on March 19, 1865 during the battle of Bentonville, N. C. After undergoing the amputation of his right leg he died and his body is now at rest in grave number 4-21 at Raleigh National Cemetery, North Carolina. His sister's four 8vo. letters, totaling 12 pages, reads, in very small part: "[May 11, 1864, Libbie, 2pp. 8vo.] we received a letter from Waller. He said he was in the enjoyment of excellent health he did not say anything about a battle taking place in Lookout Valley The letter was to mother and I do not think he liked to tell her anything about it [May 20, Libbie, 3pp. 8vo.] we received a letter from Mort he was then going to St. Louis within 8 miles of the city. He said that his health was good. We have not heard from Waller for about two weeks I presume that his division is engaged in fighting. If so, may the hand of God shilled him from all danger and turn aside every missile of destruction. I was at church heard Rev. J. Mackey preach the funeral sermon during his discourse he said he had often wondered what species of serpent satan used to deceive our first parents, but he never could imagine what kind of it was until this rebellion now, he no longer doubted that it was the Copperhead. Several immediately left the church others that remained showed by flush crimsoned cheeks that the arrow sped at Sandom had certainly marked its victim. Well, it thought it was rather an ill timed remark the draft in this section of country has taken James Brego, Joseph Nelson and several others. [June 28, Libbie, 3pp. 8vo.] we received two letters one from Mort. and one from Waller John Lockwood died some time since [Chattanooga, 6/09/64] in consequence of a wounds received in the last severe battle [battle of New Hope Church, Ga., 5/25/64] in which the 73rd participated. Thus, he too has baptized the flag of our country in his own blood. How long, Oh, how long shall the blood of husbands and brothers pour forth like rain to fertilize the treasonous soil of the south? how very thankful that none of my brothers have been harmed or scathed ever in the fiercest darkest hour of conflict." Waller's address [is] J. W. Bell, Co. I, 73rd O. V. V. I., 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Corps, Army of the Cumberland. [July 25, Libbie, 4pp. 8vo. being, a lengthy letter on their mother's death. There is a day coming when her sleeping dust shall triumphantly burst from the chilling embrace of death and placing her feet upon the neck of her last enemy, defiantly shout. Where, O Death is now?". Including two covers addressed to her other soldier brother: "Mr. E. R. Bell, Co. F, 149th O. N. G., Care of Capt. J. Ross, via Baltimore." Overall VG. (4 letters, 2 covers)
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