The Troops At Suffolk Are Reviewed By General Dix

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008

A war-date Union officer's letter written by 1st Lt. Selwyn E. Bickford, 6th Massachusetts Infantry, 4p. quarto, Suffolk, Virginia, November 18, 1862, and reads in part: "…About the boots, they suit me better than I expected, he has put in better stock, and made them better than I supposed he would, the print at the instep I did not think he would get in. If the legs had been two inches longer and a little larger around, I should have been glad, but that was my mistake and I also forgot to have them iron shod at the heel…The cap is made of the best material and Mr. Chase did the clean thing…all has been quiet at Suffolk, save a grand review of all the troops here, by Major General Dix. It was a splendid sight far surpassing any thing I ever viewed. There were 2 1/2 Regiments of Cavalry, 3 batteries, and fifteen regiments of Infantry, several of which carried their old standards, tattered and torn, relics of many a well fought field, for two thirds of the soldiers here are men who were in the Seven Days fight on the peninsula, and before that at Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, and three of the Indiana and Illinois troops commenced their service in the campaign in Western Virginia, more than sixteen months ago…Dix and his staff rode onto the field, and was saluted by a discharge of 13 guns from Howard's battery in the center of the line, and all the bands played 'Hail to the chief' and all the men presented arms at once, I thought I realized for once 'the pomp and circumstance of glorious war.' I do not know, but that at this present writing, the Sixth are receiving their 'baptism by fire,' at Blackwater. A very large force has been sent out there, starting from here yesterday…eight Regiments of infantry & one battery of artillery, and a large number of horsemen, with pontoon bridges, and the usual train of baggage wagons and ambulances. The 'Sixth' lead the van, and they say did it handsomely…Col. Follansbee sent me to Norfolk yesterday morning…if there is fighting, I wish to be at my post, which is with my company. We've heard cannonading in their direction all day today, and feel quite anxious to know the result…" Near Fine.

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).