2024-07 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2024
A very good war-date Union soldier's account of the battle of Gettysburg and the draft riots that plagued the northern states in the summer, 1863 written by Pvt. Homer R. Johnson, Co. B, 27th Connecticut Vols. [POW Chancellorsville, Va., May 3 and paroled May 14, 1863], 4pp. 8vo., "Convalessent (sic) Camp, Alexandria, Va., July 16, 1863," to his father, reading, in part: "- Col. [Richard S.] Bostwick [POW Chancellorsville, Va., May 3; paroled May 23, 1863] of the 27th Reg. was here - stated that he should go after the rest of the Reg today and have what is here meat (sic) them in Baltimore, but he did not think that we should leave here this week - we shall not be mustered out of service until we arrive at New Haven - I suppose General Lee has been successful in getting most of his army across the Potomac. Some thought that he never would be able - get them across, that Gen. Meade would entrap him but it seems that Lee was a little two smart (sic) for him - I think that Lee must [have] lost a good many of his men. If reports are true he must [have lost near half of his army - things look mutsh (sic) more favorable - we have something like 80 thousand of the Rebel's prisoners and they have not more than twenty thousand of our men - we have the best of them - they should not exchange many more except those that were taken in May - they will have to come to our terms - I learn that they commenced drafting in Conn[ecticut] last Monday. I should like to know - who was drafted in Wallingford. I think some of them would not like to go - in New York City they raised a mob to resist the draft - they have down some plundering and some have killed, but I think it will be put down in time - they are not sufficiently strong [enough] to control the government. I suppose that Patrick was liable to a draft and if he should be drafted it would be hard for him to raise the 300. dollars to clear him. You spoke in regard to the 27[th] being engaged in the late battle, that is two companies - something like seventy was engaged - one half of them was killed, wounded and missing - I suppose Henry [A.] Camp [Co. B, WIA Fredericksburg, Va., 12/13/62 & Chancellorsville, Va., 5/03/63] was in it and some two or three others that belong in Wallingford, but whether they are safe is more than I have been able to learn - Homer R. Johnson." The letter's original stamped transmittal cover is included. Both near fine.
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