2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
A grouping of EIGHT Union soldier’s letters writtem by Milton R. Billings who on 7/13/1863 was drafted into "G" Co. Massachusetts 18th Infantry. On 10/21/1864, he transferred into "B" Co. Massachusetts 32nd Infantry. He was listed as missing 2/8/1865 Hatcher's Run, VA however he was wounded and hospitalized. He returned to the 32nd Massachusetts and was mustered out with that regiment on June 29, 1865. The first letter, 4pp with original cover is datelined Camp near Beverly Ford, Va. Dec. 12, 1863, to his wife. In part “We think we have gone into Winter Quarters but we don’t know but the rebels will drive us out Most of the boys have made their log huts. ... I have just heard some of the boys say we are going to fall back towards Washington ... I would like you to send me a tablespoon and a case knife for someone has stolen mine ...” ... plus, 4pp with original cover is datelined Fifth Corps Hospital, City Point, Virginia, September 3rd 1864. In part, “You spoke of John enlisting in the 8th Regiment. You did not say whether it was Heavy Artillery or Infantry and you said he got $375 dollars down as if he was a going to get more. If he does get more, let me know and how much. ... And another thing you spoke of, that was whether our folks held the Weldon Railroad or not. They do and it will take a big force to drive them away. But that road ain’t so important as the Danville Road is. That is the road we want if we can get it. But that is the thing of it—is to get it and hold it. We have had it once but could not hold it. ... You spoke about some quinine. I can get all I want here. No matter what ails you, they will give you quinine and whiskey so we don’t suffer for the want of that. ...” ... plus, 4pp with original cover is datelined Fifth Corps Hospital, City Point, Virginia, September 4th 1864. In part, “You said Henry was dissatisfied where he is and he wished he gone in my regiment. He would not like that long. When he comes to travel 25-30 miles a day, he would not like that much ... he has had a safer time of it this summer then the rest of the boys. He may think himself lucky that he hadn’t been at the front. ... You spoke of Calup, he said that the sick and wounded was coming in fast, he don’t see half of them ... do you hear anything about George, if his wound is better. ... I hope this cruel war may be over soon ...” ... plus, 4pp with original cover is datelined City Point, Virginia, October 1st 1864. In part, “Well they have another great battle and the wounded are coming in by car loads. I am very glad that I was not in it. ... Still keeps on raining and looks as if it may rain for a week. ...” ... plus, 4pp with original cover is datelined City Point, Virginia, October 5th 1864. In part, “... he thought the war would be over this election. I told him that he must look higher than Abe Lincoln or McClellan for peace for they could not bring peace with out some help from some higher power ... he would pay ten dollars to have a talk with me. I guess he has heard something about his wife ....” ... plus, 4pp with original cover is datelined City Point, Virginia, October 8th 1864. In part, “ ... such bad news .. we have lost a friend ... we must prepare for such news for we know not when it may come ... we may be happy and enjoying ourselves and tomorrow be laid in the grave. .. Well Dear, we have had a battle on the James River. Our gunboats took one of the reb’s gunboat, her name was the Atlantar and they say that Fort Darling has surrendered ... The rebs wanted to exchange the prisoners but Lincoln would not do it and I think that he ought to be out of his office ... Was because that the rebs would not exchange black for white. ....” (Lee had proposed Exchange but Grant confronted Lee about whether he planned to exchange black troops on the same basis as whites. Lee responded that he had no intention of handing over fugitive slaves turned Union soldiers and said those ‘belonging to our Citizens’ are not Considered Subjects of exchange.) ... ... plus, 4pp with original cover is datelined Post Hospital near Fort Williams, Va., May 31st 1865 In part, “Our camp is lined with women that are peddling pies and cakes but we don’t buy many for we have not got any money to buy with. I have had $2.50 of John since I came here and I had spent that so I don’t get any pies now. ... Some of the boys had gay times with the women that peddle. ... he order is now that if a man is absent three roll calls, he is put down as a deserter. ....” ... plus, 4pp with original cover is datelined Camp near Beverly Ford, Va. March 20, 1864, to his wife. In part “We have been expecting a raid of rebels but they have not come yet and I guess they won’t. They have had a Ball to Division Headquarters, 3 days and 3 nights. None was allowed to go that was under [the rank of] Major. I saw one of the Majors Friday morning and he hardly could sit on his horse he was so drunk. I was told that they had thousands of dollars worth of liquor their. It is too bad to have this war kept up for such men as them, and men keep fixing their things for them to have their good times.
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