2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
A Union soldier’s4pp. letter written by “Checter” H. Ballard who mustered in A company MA 37th Infantry and nustered out 6/21/65. Ballard reach the rank of Sergeant. The letter is date lined Near Petersburg January 15, 1865 to his Parents. In part, “Sunday night again and I never miss a Sunday. ... there has been considerable firing along the lines today more than any day since we came back but there has been none in front of us. ... I am a veteran of 16 pitched battle. All of them lasted over 6 hours and 10 over 3 days. We have lain 38 days under Artillery fire and in good musket range. There are but 6 original members of Co AS who have been through all the campaigns and probably some of those 6 will fall before our 7 months are up. It is said a soldier’s average number of battles is 6.” Chester continues Monday Morning, January 16/65. In part, “I have rec’d Father’s letter of the 12th. .. I do not know the reason, we get 3 days rations every 5 days. ...” The letter is signed “Chester” but comes from a group so the ideniftication of “Ballard” is correct.
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