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, 4p. octavo, pencil, Near Warrenton Junction, July 28, 1863, and reads in part: "…Our march down the valley from Harpers Ferry has been just the same as that of McClellan last year. We were at all the gaps as far down as Manassas and in the latter rushed three or four corps including the 3rd, 2nd & 5th but the rebs fairly flew from us and our force without any delay charged at once to this position…our entire army is doing more foraging (in reality plundering) than was ever done before. Our boys think nothing of going out in squads of two or three & returning with as many sheep or a calf or a hog. Six men of Co. A last night bro't in twenty chickens & pigeons - some honey…this is pretty hard - enough to make any man fight against us…I have promoted [Elisha] Stewart to corpl. according to orders to fill all vacancies without delay. [Pvt. Elwood] Griscom also wears the [corporal] stripes. Maj. Hill having promised to give him command of the pioneers. He therefore is an acting Sergt in command of our squad of pioneers in the pioneer brigade…French was detailed at the hospital at Gettysburg, but is now, I have heard, at Straggler Camp trying to rejoin us…[1st Lt. John J.] Trimble has written to Lipper and wished to be remembered to me. He says his wound is not serious but his head is worse, i.e. his whiskey disease. I shall be mistaken if the Dr. does not get him out of service on that plea. Col. Davis returned yesterday but has not yet taken command of the regiment. Maj [John T.] Hill having just ordered an inspection at two o'clock…" VG.
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