Group Written By New York Jewish Soldier - Sigmond Bachman

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023

The following seven Civil War letters were written by German (Jewish) emigrant Sigmond Bachman (1840-1911). Sigmond entered the service as a private in Co. E, 27th New York Infantry on 21 May 1861 at Rochester. He mustered out two years later on 31 May 1863 at Elmira. He again entered the service in late November 1863 as a private in Co. L, 21st New York Cavalry, and did not muster out until late June 1866 as a sergeant in Co. F at Denver, Colorado. Here are several excerpts:(27th Regiment, N. Y. V., Col. J. J. Bartlett, Commanding, Camp Franklin, Virginia, March 19th 1862) 4pp to Ruth. In part, "We are a going to move in a few days by water when we shall give the rebels another call. ... We was out in Fairfax the 10th. When the Rebels left Centreville and Manassas, they left a lot of wooden guns on the breastworks...." (Steamship S. R. Spaulding, Off Shipping point, 26 April 1862), 3pp to Ruth. In part, "We are far away from home but near enough to the enemy so that we can hear their guns most every minute. ... The General took us down to Fortress Monroe. We all enjoyed it very well. We saw the little Monitor. She looks very well although she is small. I should think she could whip the Merrimack all to pieces. .. There was some boys detailed to go somewhere. They did go within the Rebel lines and steal their pontoon boats. These boats are used to make bridges across water where troops cannot ford. ..." ... (Halltown, Virginia, February 19, 1864) 4pp., to Sir (Mr. Webster). In part, "We have some very good times with the rebels. It is more fun to fight on horseback than on foot for I have got a good horse. ... I have not got my bounty yet and if you please, will you see to get it for me for you are the only friend that I have got. If you can get it for me ... I have seen the place where John Brown was hung. It is Charlestown. Quite a nice little place but most all secesh in it. We came through Maryland and the places look quite natural to me, I have seen that famous place called Harper's Ferry. We are only about four miles from the place. ..." ... (Halltown, Virginia, March 12th 1864) 3pp to J. W. Webster. In part, "We were out target shooting this forenoon on horseback. We all done well. The lieutenant told the boys the first one that put a ball through the target should have a dollar. I was the one to get it. ... I suppose you have heard by this time that Major Sullivan is dead. He belonged to the 1st Veterans...." ... (Camp near Berryville, Virginia, April 8th 1865) 2pp., pencil, to Mr. Webster. In part, "We have been up to New Market but did not see anything of the Rebels so we came back again and we are now within one and a half miles of Berryville. All seems quiet here in the Valley. I don't think there are many Rebels here at present. ... I think that the war will be over soon. ... The government owes us now seven months pay. I could not tell when we shall get it but I think they will wait till the war is over. ..." ... (Camp near Alexandria, Virginia, May 30th 1865), 3pp to J.W. Webster. In part, [I was] asking you to send me five dollars and two lbs. of tobacco but you need not send it now as we got four months pay so that will help me some. I sent forty dollars to my sister. ... I was on that [Grand] Review they had in Washington the 24th. Oh! it looked nice. The stores were all closed and the folks all turned out to see us. The streets were all covered with folks. ... I saw the 108th [New York] Regiment pass through Washington. I expect that they will be home in a few days..." ... (Fort Collins, Colorado Territory, January 30th 1866) 3pp., to Mr. Webster. In part, "The regiment got paid twice since we have been here but those six companies that were on board the train that the robbery was committed on did not get any. How long they will keep it from us, I can't tell. They owe me now 13 months pay with two installments but I believe that they can't keep it from us always. ... The boys are thinking that we shall be to home by July. I hope so for I want to get out of this regiment as soon as I can. ..."

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).