2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
A good war-date Union soldier's 3pp. 8vo., letter written in pencil by Pvt. Sylvester O'Dare, Co. F, 71st Penn. Vols. (1st California), Bolivar, Va., March 19, 1862 to a friend describing early operations around Harper's Ferry, reading, in part: "…we left Poolsville, Md. on 24th took the cars at Adamstown for Harper's Ferry, marched to Charlestown [and] from there to within 2 miles of Winchester when it was found to be Evacuated…we Expected a fight…but did get it. We took Several Prisoners on our way, and a great many is running away and coming in our lines. We are under marching orders but our Destination is unknown. Harper's Ferry is a hard looking place. There's but 2 or 3 families living here and the houses are full of Soldiers, we stopped there a few days. Bolivar is nearly all deserted…the R.R. Bridge at H. Ferry that was burned will be done this week. There is a large party Engaged at work on it. The cars run within 3 miles of the Ferry on the Winchester Road. The Wheeling Road will be done soon…G.B. McClelland has been among us on this move he goes among all the troops his dress is more common than Some of our Captains he always has something kind to say to all. Our Regiment has got its old name once more (no more 71st) tis the 1st California. Our wagons are all marked 1st Cal. and our knapsacks also, what it was done for I don't know…we have a splendid view from our camps…there is a pontoon bridge across the Potomac at the Ferry where we crossed it was erected in a few hours. The Rebel Soldiers are a Dam poor looking Set of men what we have Saw, very poorly clothed and armed…S. O'Dare, Co. F, Col. Wistars 1st California…". Included is a letter forwarding this letter to Sylvester's parents. Near fine.
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