2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
A great war-date Confederate officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written in ink by Sgt. John T. Mason 28th North Carolina, Co. E [KIA Gaines Mills, Va., June 30, 1862], "Head Quarters, Camp Heath, [Wilmington, N. C.], Dec. 28, 1861 concerning his uniform and an expedition against Yankee landing forces, in part: "…Tom heard his Pa was very low and he is going home in the morning…I got my coat & pants cut last week…I need my coat bad…we all have caps and our uniforms are being made now. Our arms are ordered from Richmond…Lieut. [Duncan A.] Mc[Rae] and the orderly are making out the pay roll at this moment. The Capt. [William D. Barringer, POW Fredericksburg] has been very sick again…I'll tell you what sort of jaunt we had last week for a day and night. About 9 o'clock at night [the] New River picket came in and reported the Yankees landing …in an hour 30 of us were sent to New River. We got there before day[light] and went right to the banks expecting to carry some prisoners back to camp. When we got there the rogues were gone. Way out at sea. We saw the steamer set sail and go north. Tired, mad and sleepy soon as the boys dismounted some on the bald sand banks…were fast asleep; and the poor horses stood like lambs…the Yankees were after beef…several steamers have been seen in the last few days. Signal guns are often heard. Very heavy guns were heard at sea…". Mason enlisted on Aug. 1, 1861 and served until killed in action during the Seven Day's campaign against McClellan in 1862. VG.
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