2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
Rare Union lieutenant colonel's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Lt. Col. WILLIAM GREENE WARD, 12th New York State Militia, Charlestown, Va., July 18, 1861, to wife, reading, in part: "- we left Martinsburg on the day you wrote and reached Bunker Hill that afternoon - General Patterson deceives his enemy as to his intensions they supposing that he intended to march on Winchester - after marching a certain distance in that direction we turned off to the left at Smithfield, drew up in position and let our train pass us. We remained in line of battle until the train had gone by and then followed - we had several trenches to cross and the bridges consisting of single planks were much delayed on our march - bivouacked holding ourselves in readiness against a night attack - we are now under orders to move at an hours' notice - perhaps before you receive this we shall have met the enemy. They must be demoralized by McClellan's victories and his pressing upon them - on their left. We have now outflanked them on the right and if McDowell's column is to move in connection with ours and McClellan it looks - as if we should rout them completely. Is General [Robert S.] Garnett who was killed [Corricks Ford, (West) Va., July 13, 1861] Mary Steven's husband? If so, I must say that I am both glad and sorry for our friend Mary, glad because he is gone and sorry because she was attached to him. Our boys are in fine fighting trim & I have no doubt that the Twelfth will do its duty handsomely. We had a better march yesterday than any other regiment in our brigade always carrying knapsacks - others had transportation and came in better order. I was very proud of them and am still. If I can only keep them steady for the first fire we shall do all that can be expected of us. And now goodbye my own little darling - Willie." Also included is the original transmittal cover, addressed: "Mrs. Emily G. Ward, corner of F & 21st Streets, Washington." Inscribed "Kindness of Revd. Mr. Tracy, Mr. Tracy regrets that his very short stay in Washington prevents his delivering this note in person. Mr. W. is very well." Ward was commissioned colonel of the 12th in May, 1862 and POW at Harpers ferry, Va. during Stonewall Jackson's siege of that town on Sept. 14, 1862. Both near fine.
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