2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
War-date Union officer's letter written by 2nd Lt. James S. Stratton, 12th New Jersey Infantry, KIA at Ream's Station on August 25, 1864, 3p. octavo, pencil, Pleasant Valley, Near Sandy Hook, Maryland, July 17, 1863, and reads in part: "…The soldier, with heart so lately light and buoyant and the pleasant and glorious prospect of peace before his eyes has had the delusion dispelled and now the dark and unpromising future looms up as before, with scarcely a ray of hope to cheer him onward. The greater part of our army is lying in this vicinity but even now it is rumored that some of the corps are crossing into Va. [Saturday 18th] .we have had a very early breakfast and struck our tents & now are awaiting the order to fall in and march again upon the soil of Virginia. Our destination is unknown - perhaps some one of the mountain passes or perhaps the Rappahannock…Maj. Hill still continues very strict in discipline. Sergt.s [James M.] Thompson Co. B & [Isaac P.] Buzby Co. C & Corpl - Co. G have been reduced to the ranks for straggling on the last day's march. I expect I shall be dismissed some of these days - if any of my men happen to fall out. [Pvt. John] Hull [Company E] is under arrest for straggling and cowardice on the field - withdrawing from skirmish line without orders…" VG.
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