2024-07 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2024
A good war-date Union NCO's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by 1st Sergeant Valma V. Price, Co. H, 12th Iowa Vols. [POW Shiloh, 4/06/62; WIA Tupelo, Miss., severe right leg wound, amputated; DOW Mobile, Al., 7/28/64], Memphis, Tenn., May 6, 1864 to his brother, Realto, in part: "- reported to Genl. Buckland who is in command here and he sent us to Fort Pickering where we remained until we drew our arms after which we was sent out near the picket lines to camp and do picket duty. Half of our Regt is on duty at a time - the 8th Iowa [Cavalry] is on patrol duty in Memphis - we saw the 19th A. C. camped around on the mounds above Cairo - they are recruiting up their teams and waiting for their Veteran brothers to return after which they expect to go - to Chattanooga. The Ohio river was rising when we left Cairo. The Miss. river is rising very rapidly - our spring campaign has been very successful so far. It appears that Genl. Steele has lost nearly all his train and was forced to fall back to Little Rock. The expedition that was sent out to attack Genl. Forrest meet him near LaGrange and had quite a brisk fight - and routed him. The report is that he is retreating towards Jackson, Tenn. We have no official notice of the where abbots of the Expedition at present. All the troops within the vicinity of Memphis are required to fall out under arms - at 3 o'clock every morning and remain in line of battle until after daylight by orders of Genl. Buckland. I have not received a letter from Avalo [his brother, Major Alavo Price 8th Iowa Cavalry who enlisted with Valma as a private in the 12th in 1861] for over 4 months. I guess he feels himself above corresponding with privates. I think that I am just as good as he is if even only an Orderly. I was elected orderly from the ranks by a unanimous vote of my company over 5 Corpls and 3 Sergts. and last summer I was elected 2nd Lieut. without any opposition, but could not get my commission on account of our Co. being below the minimum number of a company and there has been no vacancies occurred - if a vacancy occurs - I will get it - Col. J[oseph] J. Wood is one of the finest military men in the service. He graduated with Grant at West Point [1847], was a drill master in the Mexican War, but is one of the men that never has worked for promotion nor begged for it like some - the leading men of Iowa should be ashamed of themselves for not urging his promotion before - but they will urge the promotion of such gas heads as Tuttle, Dodge, Frank Herron. Col. Woods should wear 2 stars in place of an eagle. The man that makes the best appearance in nice suit of clothes gets the promotion. Wood is an every day man and will kiss no one for promotion - yours truly, V. V. Price." The letter's original stamped transmittal cover is included. A bit light, else VG
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