2024-07 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2024
War-date Union soldiers letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by, 21-year-old, Pvt. James R. Smith, Co. C, 5th Iowa Vols. [WIA (severely in the leg) Iuka, Miss., 9/19/62 & POW Missionary Ridge, TN, 11/25/63], "Camp Clear Creek, Miss., July 11, 1862," to his 18-year-old, "dear friend," Samuel W. Mallorey, who enlisted a month later in Co. G, 19th Iowa Vols., reading, in part: "- we are now back at our old camp on Clear Creek about 6 miles south of Corinth - having been absent about 2 weeks. We were ordered to march to Holly Springs a place about 75 miles distant - our cavalry had several little skirmishes with the parties of rebels but did not see anything more than a few guerrilla bands. The secesh in this part - are about played out - news from Richmond is not very encouraging - about a situation in the army, if you wish to enlist you will never have a better time than the present and you will be received in our Co. with a hearty welcome by all. I spoke to our Lieut. about it - he says - you can go to one of our recruiting officers (four or five of whom are going to start from our regiment in a few days) and enlist giving the Co. which you wish to join - they will give you $2. as a bounty, 1 month's pay in advance and a free pass to the regiment - I don't want to be considered as causing anybody to enlist - I don't blame you for wanting to fight for our country although you will find it is made up of hardships of every kind, hard marches, hard crackers, fat bacon and rough soldiers yet some times we have good times. We all stick together an whatever we undertake has to be done whether pressing chickens from Secesh or stealing whiskey from a sutler. One soldier sticks to the other and everybody knows it. Is no use to say anything to them unless they can manage the whole crowd. The Toolesboro boys are all well - you must take good care of the girls and if you hear one enquiring about me give her a good bus and hug for me - James R. Smith." Near fine on rarely seen pink stationery, else VG.
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