2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
Union officer's 3pp. letter (includes original Cover) signed only H, but written Henry B. McIlvaine who, on 12/2/1861, was commissioned into "A" Co. NY 5th Heavy Artillery. In the latter part of May, 1862, the unit went to Baltimore, Md. On June 19, Cos. A and F were detached, and under the command of Maj. McIlvaine, were sent to Harper's Ferry, where they were surrendered in Sept., 1862, at the time of Stonewall Jackson's capture of that place. Major McIlvaine served as chief of artillery during the siege of Harper's Ferry in 1862. Datelined Head Quarters Harper's Ferry, August 21, 1862, to his wife. Primarily personal ... but ironically he also states, "Am at work placing another 2 gun battery on the Shenondoah River, defending the arsenal, the fort ... have 3 contrabands and 5 white at work. Time of peace, make ready for war. I do not think the enemy can ever get here or anywhere near it. ...”
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