2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
War-date KIA Union soldier's letter, 2pp. 8vo., written in ink by Pvt. Richard K. Lunt, Co. A, 48th Mass. Vols., pencil, Camp Banks, Baton Rouge, [La.], May 10, 1863. In part: "…Adolphus W. Greely has been here but had gone down to New Orleans…Thaddeus J. Custer was dead. The things out here are very dire, milk 20 cts a quart, flour 20 dollars a barrel, cheese & butter 50 cts a pound. Oranges very small 5 cts…". Adolphus W. Greeley was born in Newburyport, Mass. in 1844. He served in the Union Army and was wounded at the battle of Antietam. During that time he rose from private to brevet major and he remained in the Army after the war raising to the rank of major general. In 1881 when he was placed in charge of a U.S. expedition to establish a chain of artic weather stations. His party of 25 reached the northernmost point yet achieved at that time before hardships threatened to end the mission. After three years, a relief party found only seven survivors. Before he died in 1935 he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Also included is the original transmittal cover. Lunt enlisted in the 48th Mass. in Sept. 1862 and fought at the battle of Plains Store, La. and at the Port Hudson where he was killed in action on June 14, 1863. VG.
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