2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
War-date Union soldier's letter, 7pp. 8vo., on Union soldier and US Capitol patriotic stationery, written by a member the 10th Massachusetts Volunteers, "Oak Grove, Sept. 8th 1861 Camp McClellan, Washington, D. C.," in part: "- I have to record the death of a fellow in the W. Springfield company. He was sick - about one week - he was a hearty man. Had he got better attention he might have got well. There are at present time in the hospital quite a large number of boys lay very low - one of whom they think will not live - last night a nice young man died - today we held a funeral. The first one held by the Regt. The man [Pvt. James W. Burr, Co. I, 10th Massachusetts Vols.] was from Holyoke and is going to be carried home to his friends - upon the 7th he was taken sick and was not expected to live - he grew worse very fast and he died the next Thursday night. The captain of Company I telegraphed home to his folks and they come on after him. We first formed a Battalion Line, stacked arms and then marched by Right face, file left and formed division then formed Square. The chaplain made a prayer. The Col. [Henry S. Briggs, brigadier general July 17, 1862] made some remarks then the bearers took the coffin upon four muskets and with arms reversed marched him to the hearse outside the grounds and he was carried home." He then continues: "- I dreamt - I went out to the door with her when she told [me] who she was. She said don't you remember their large house on the road leading from Munson Heights towards the river. I told her, yes. She said you remember the night when you in company with three more rescued me from the band of roaming Secesh who had taken my father and were carrying me off for what purpose I knew not, but when I cried for help you come bravely with your companions and against twice your number fought and manfully rescued me from their grasp, also my find father and drove them from the place after having laid three of them low in death then took us under your care and carried us some five miles to - Washington - we were at her house a splendid residence upon a small hill surrounded by sweet splendid scenery. The sole occupants of the house being her father and herself and a negro cook -". Unsigned, but appears to be complete. Research shows that this letter's author was a member of the 10th Massachusetts. Light toning, else VG.
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