2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
A great war-date ink inscribed, 3pp. 4to., letter, on the verso of a printed broadside entitled: "Preamble and Resolution, adopted by General Baird's Division", written by Capt. Albert Woodcock, Co. K, 92nd Illinois Vols., "In camp at Franklin, Tennessee, March 8th A. D., 1863" to "Lute" concerning his resolve to fight and die for the Union cause, and of their impending movements against Confederate General Earl Van Dorn, reading, in part: "…I have just rec'd some copies of resolutions our Brigade passed & I thought I would send you a copy…our camp is all wild bustle & confusion getting ready for anything that may come along. Our haversacks are filled. Our canteens filled. Our guns in perfect order…none but the fighting men left. From the hill a little north of this we can see the enemy; there are all kinds of rumors afloat as to their strength; they are now reported to be 30,000 strong. A large body of cavalry say 2500 went this afternoon to reconnoiter…how much better it is…for our cause to be active, to meet the enemy & fight & put an end to this war…my dear brother John will care for & love my little ones as he loves his own should they become orphans…for the past two days we have been having something of a soldier's life, well this is what we enlisted for, let it come…". Interestingly, printed on the last page is a printed broadside covering the entire sheet, entitled: "Preamble and Resolutions adopted by the Second Brigade, General Baird's Division in camp near Nashville, Tenn. March 2, 1863", in part: "…at a meeting of the field, staff, and line officers…the following preamble and resolutions were read…whereas, a number of intriguing demagogues at home have…by word and act, sought to create disaffection among us…and in every way to baffle all earnest efforts to conquer the rebels; therefore, Resolved, that we hold in utter detestation that clique…Resolved, that, despite the frenzied efforts of our foes before us and…behind us we will abate not one jot of faith or hope…Resolved, that we are utterly opposed to any armistice or cessation of hostilities…Resolved, that to Governor Tod, of Ohio. Governor Morton, of Indiana, and Governor Yates, of Illinois, we extend our hearty thanks for their ceaseless labors…". Fortunately, Woodcock survived the war and during the present campaign against Gen. Earl Van Dorn. A great content letter combined with a very rare broadside that is seldom seen in the marketplace. Glue stains affect the right and lower margin of the broadside, else very good.
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