2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
“A week ago…we laid a pontoon bridge across the Potomac…over which troops and trains have been passing ever since. The whole left wing of the Army of the Potomac have crossed here. Troops have been crossing by thousands. By witnessing these scenes we can gain some idea of the magnitude of this terrible war.” Ten full pages and with full signature of Capt. Charles E. Snyder of the 50’th N.Y. Engineer Reg’t to his sweetheart from “Camp Near Berlin, MD / Nov. 2, 1862.” “…Monday we moved our camp from Harper’s Ferry to here. …Had to march seven miles without knapsacks which gave us some fortaste of soldiering…had to labor some with shovel and axe. …I like the Engineer Reg’t better then I should have the Infantry. The more I talk with members of Infantry Reg’t’s the more am I confirmed in my opinion.” He describes in considerable detail the camp and his daily duties and activities, everything from writing letters home to washing in the river, discomfiture of life in the tents (as well as the good things about it, too) and the food: “Our fare is pretty good, such as it is, and now that we are getting accustomed to it we get along pretty well…had no soft bread since we left Washington…but plenty of hard crackers, pork, salt beef, rice and beans…often remark when we are eating, sitting on the ground that we would like to have our friends take a peep at us…think they would be amused. …I am often with you in imagination…my pleasantest thoughts are of you…they nerve me up to endure with greater ease whatever I may meet in hardships and privations. …How I long for the termination of this war.” He reminisces about last time with her and how much he thinks about her, especially when he is alone…“I have always thought I should live to again reach home [because of my faith in a compassionate God].” Obviously a man of deep religious belief and, it being Sunday, he mentions: “…For years my practice was not to write on the Sabbath…but under present circumstances I do not think it wrong” and asks to be remembered in her prayers: “…have not heard church bells but instead [hear] the booming of cannon speaking to us of the deadly conflict in which many of our fellow men may at this moment be engaged. It is quite possible that before this reaches you, you will have heard of another terrible battle.” A beautifully worded letter by a sensitive and highly educated fellow. With full signature “Charles E. Snyder.” Accompanied by photostats of two histories of the 50’th NY Engineers which also includes service record of Snyder who rose from private to first lieutenant and served August, 1862 to June, 1865. Slight aging; exc. +
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