2024-07 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2024
War-date Illinois soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written on George Washington "Union" patriotic stationery, by Pvt. Richard C. Charleston, Co. I, 39th Illinois Vols., "Camp Folly Island, [S. C.], May 30, 1863," to his sister, reading, in part: "- I will tell you about an accident that occurred this morning. One of my mess mates [Pvt. Israel S. Baker] drowned this morning - he went in to swim. He got out so far that he could not touch bottom. He got outside of the breakers and he drifted away from the shore so that no man could get to him - two more of the boys of my company come pretty near drowning trying to get him out but they succeeded getting a rope to them and got them out safe - you wanted to know how long I enlisted. [I] enlisted for three years or sooner discharged. I enlisted on 1861, October 10th - your sincere brother, R. C. Charleston." Negligible paper loss with some spotting, else VG.
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