2024-07 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2024
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. vo., written on "The Union, The Constitution" patriotic stationery, by Pvt. Charles W. Wheelock, Co. K, 15th Illinois Vols. [KIA Shiloh, TN, 4/06/62, buried Shiloh National Military Cemetery, plot: 1764], Benton Barracks, [St. Louis, MO], March 25, 1862, to his brother and sister, reading, in part: "- I have not heard from the Stearns company yet - we do have much fighting now. The fight at Island No. 10 continues - when they get that that is the place where we will go - there has been a great many poisoned here by eating pies and apples, was two of the 16th, one of them died, the other will survive - I saw E. B. Wimer down here - he is in one of the Ill. regiments. Don't know which one - did not drill today on account of having a bad cold. The regiment is improving very fast. The best drilled regiment in Camp [?] on battalion drill. The[y] think we are regulars. Our arms have come and the regimental flags have come. I have not seen them yet - I have not been in the city yet only as we came through there. The streets are very narrow. We saw the First Missouri regiment [1st Missouri National Infantry, designation changed to 21st Missouri Vols], Colonel [David] Moore. It was on about going south. When we got to St. Louis wharf the [?] was lined with boats for half a mile. We had to squeeze in the best we could - it is now roll call - so good night - Charley Wheelock." Overall VG.
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