2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Francis J. McKee, Co. E, 16th Ohio Vols., Camp Oliver, Tenn., Dec. 19, 1862, reading, in part: "- the letter stated that Henry was dead. He was in the hospital at Covington [Kentucky] when we come down the river. I didn't know it till I was way down to Kario. If I had known it I would have stopped their and seen him - now he is gone to his long home - we are on our way down - to Vicksburg. We got on the boat yesterday morning. We traveled all night - - about 90 miles - there is fifty or sixty thousand of our troops - there is a large gunboat past us going down river. It had 14 large guns on it - I am on the hurricane deck writing this letter - there is another boat that passes - hey had a brass band. They plaid Yankee doodle as they past us - the rebels captured 300 of our men yesterday at Holly Springs. They took them on surprise - their is more boats here than you ever seen - as much as 40 boats - [at] Vicksburg - we will make the Rebels skedaddle - I way 171 1/2 lbs. That is heavers than I ever waid before - F. J. McKee to Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Bell - Christmas day. We are at this time 8 miles from Vixburg. We are launched and we are going to land and scout the country -". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Overall VG.
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