2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
A good Union colonel's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Col. WILLIAM CRAIG COOPER (1832-1902) who also served as an officer in the 4th Ohio Volunteers. After the war he was elected to the Ohio House of Representative, 1872-1874 and then headed to Washington, D. C. as a United States House of Representative member from 1885-1891. He writes from Point of Rocks, Va., June 14, 1864 to his wife a good account of his efforts to find a command that would accept their service, reading, in small part: "- there seems to be an abundance of garrison and fatigue duty to preform in this neck of woods and if we are destined for that work - as well as in Gov. Brough's proclamation then perhaps this is the place we are to do it for the rest of our time in the service - we are here - between the James & Appomattox Rivers about 15 miles from Richmond in the 10th Corps under the command of Major Gen. Gillmore of Charleston celebrity - and have been in the front of both Grant's & Butler's army - we first went to the White House Landing & I reported to Gen. Abercrombie. He ordered me to report to Gen. Meade of the Army of the Potomac. He referred our case to Gen. Grant, who ordered us to Gen. Butler's command where we are evidently more needed and where there is more of the kind of work for which we are prepared to perform. Coming here I reported to Gen. Butler and was by him assigned to Gen. Gilmore and by him to Gen. Terry, etc. - we have ben compelled to buy our own board and will have to do so as we officers cannot draw any rations - I have - not heard a word from you since we left Alexandria a week ago yesterday - I am all the time about the Regiment or something connected with it. Still the days seems to drag - [Asst. Surgeon] Jake Stamp, 1st Lt. Lucian B.] Curtis [etc., etc.] & indeed all your acquaintances here except Lt. Col. [William] Rogers are well - John Boyd is here cooking for the Lt. Colonel, major, adjutant & myself - and is especially devoted to me. This is somewhat gratifying - he is one of the best nurses in the country - if I was taken sick I would be well taken care of - goodbye my darling and may heaven bless you evermore. Yours, Will." Minor toning, else VG.
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