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56th New York Infantry-Official Company 1 Return Listing a Nurse and a Hospital Steward

Fifty-sixth Infantry -- Cols. Charles H. Van Wyck, Rockwell Tyler, Lieut.-Cols., James Jordan, Frederic Decker, John J. Wheeler, Rockwell Tyler, Eliphas Smith, James Dubois. The 56th Regiment was organized at Newburgh and was composed of eleven companies, two light batteries and two Cavalry troops. The batteries later became the 7th and 8th independent batteries and the cavalry part of the 1st mounted rifles. Co. L was the 5th company of N.Y. sharpshooters. The men were mainly from Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties and were mustered into the U.S. service at Newburgh, Oct. 28, 1861, for three years. The regiment left for Washington on Nov. 7, 1861, was there assigned to the 1st Brigade, Casey's division, and served in the vicinity of Washington until March, 1862. In the opening of the spring campaign, the regiment, as part of the 1st Brigade, 2nd division, 4th Corps, participated in the siege of Yorktown and was present without loss at Williamsburg, Savage Station and Bottom's Bridge. At Fair Oaks, the loss of the command was heavy--66 killed and wounded and 5 missing. In June, the Brigade, in Peck's division of the 4th Corps, was present during "the Seven Days' battles but not closely engaged, and after the battle of Malvern Hill was withdrawn to Yorktown. In December, the brigade under Naglee was assigned to the 18th Corps and reached South Carolina early in Jan. 1862. The regiment served about Charleston, was active in the siege of Fort Wagner in July, 1863, and the subsequent operations in the vicinity. It was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd division, 18th Corps, in March, 1863, and transferred to the 10th Corps in October. While with the 18th Corps, it was stationed on Folly Island and at Beaufort. In the summer of 1864, the regiment was stationed at James Island; lost 50 men in an engagement at Honeyhill; was active at Coosawhatchie and Boyd's point in December, and shared in the operations at Deveaux Neck, S.C., during the same month with considerable loss. The original members not reenlisted were mustered out at the expiration of the term of enlistment and the regiment remained in the Department of the South, serving in the coast division during the winter of 1864-65 and at Charleston from March, 1865 to Oct. 17, 1865, when it was mustered out. The regiment lost during its term of service 64 by death from wounds and 216 from other causes.

Charles H. Van Wyck: Age, 37 years. Enrolled September 4th, 1861 at New York City. Mustered in as a Colonel, September 4th, 1861 for a three-year tour of duty. Mustered out with regiment October 17th, 1865 at Charleston, S.C.

6131 - COMPANY I, 56 NYV, January 31st, 1863, St. Helena Isle, South Carolina, listed detached men. Absent men in Captain Cox's Company, written and filled in by Lt. Norris Crossman. Lists several men detached as nurses in hospitals and another in a hospital at Yorktown. Printed and filled-in, 10" X 16". Captain Cox was listed as AWOL on the verso of the document. Crossman's diaries have been published. Very fine...................................$65.00

6132 - COMPANY I, 56 NYV, Seabrook Isle, SC, March 31st, 1863 listed detached men and officers present in Captain Cox's Company, written and filled in by Lt. Norris Crossman. Lists one man detached as a nurse in a hospital. Printed and filled-in, 10" X 16", Captain Cox was listed as AWOL on the verso of the document. Crossman's diaries have been published. Very fine..................................................$65.00

6133 - COMPANY I, 56 NYV, Beaufort, SC, August 31st, 1863 listed detached men and officers present in Captain Smith's Company, written and filled in by Lt. Norris Crossman. Lists one man detached as a nurse in a hospital, another as a Hospital Steward. Printed and filled-in, 10" X 16", Crossman's diaries have been published. Very fine..........................$65.00

6134 - 91ST PENN. VOLUNTEERS, SERVED IN MOST OF THE BATTLES OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC FROM 1861-65 INCLUDING GETTYSBURG, 8" X 10" manuscript order dated January 15th, 1865 by order of Colonel Seller giving sentinels orders how to greet officers when they approach their posts and how to carry their "pieces". Dated from the headquarters of the 91st PA just before they were engaged in the battles of Dabney Mills and Hatchers Run (February 5-7th, 1865). The 91st fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, the "Mud March", Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the "Bristoe Campaign", Mine Run, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, Petersburg, Dabney Mills, Hatcher's Run, Appomattox Campaign..............$45.00

6135 - 91ST PENN, VOLUNTEERS, SERVED IN MOST OF THE BATTLES OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC FROM 1861-65 INCLUDING GETTYSBURG, Dated in the field, April 29th, 1865, 8" X 10" pre-printed and filled in descriptive listing for the pay and clothing account of Sergt. John Evans of Company G of the 91st PA giving the details of his pay after enlistment and clothing allowance not used, signed by Captain William Spangler of Company G, 91st PA. The 91st fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, the "Mud March", Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the "Bristoe Campaign", Mine Run, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, Petersburg, Dabney Mills, Hatcher's Run, Appomattox Campaign. This document was written 20 days after Lee's surrender at Appomattox when the 91st was still in the field near there. Very fine..............................................$45.00

6136 - OFFICIAL FORM FOR HANDLING A COURT MARTIAL, 4 pages in manuscript 8" X 13" detailing the procedures in conducting a court martial trial in the army, dated 186, statement accounts, witness accounts specifications of charges. Obviously done in the field by an officer. This form is very detailed and came with some other documents pertaining to the 91st PA. First one that we have seen like this. Very fine........................................$35.00

6137 - MISSOURI IN THE CIVIL WAR, Headquarters Dept. of the Missouri, St. Louis, February 14th, 1865, General Order #30, three pages printed, the charges and trial of three named Missouri citizens for robbery and larceny, another against a Henry Smith for trying to bribe a Federal officer to free a prisoner...he was sentenced to the Missouri State prison at Jefferson City. The three charged with robbery and larceny were sentenced to 10 years at hard labor by order of J.W. Barnes, Asst. Adj. General. Choice condition......................$45.00

6138 - THE CIVIL WAR IN MISSOURI COURT MARTIAL'S OF KANSAS, MISSOURI, AND ILLINOIS TROOPS ON CHARGES INCLUDING DESERTION, St. Louis, Headquarters Dept. of the Missouri, February 28th, 1865, six pages printed, octavo, General Orders #53. These troopers were charged with various offenses ranging from sleeping at their posts, larceny, desertion, joining guerillas in Missouri, charges are detailed with sentences. Very fine...............................................$55.00

6139 - A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION OF CHARLES MAGNUS PATRIOTIC COVERS WITH SEVEN DIFFERENT VIEWS OF ALEXANDRIA, VA AND ONE OF THE SMITHSONIAN IN WASHINGTON, 7 different "Bird's Eye Views of Alexandria." Two hand colored, five in light gilt print, views from the Potomac, views of the town showing military camps and one of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. All with the desirable Charles Magnus imprint. VF-EF, a choice collection, all war period imprints. The group of seven different................................................$275.00

6140 - UNITED STATES ARMIES OPERATING AGAINST RICHMOND, 2 2 patriotic covers by Charles Magnus dated 1865, both covers are deep lavender in color with a gilded imprint, one in silver, one in gold, large eagle with the caption "US Armies Operating against Richmond, VA" with spots to enter the Company, Regiment, Brigade, Division, and Army Corps. The silver printed cover is quite attractive, the gold printed cover has oxidized (print somewhat). These are the first two of this type we have seen, unused and a desirable set of Magnus covers, the pair................................................$85.00

6523 - GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON MORGAN, ALS, July 14th, 1862, Cumberland Gap, (TN). One page letter to Dr. Cunningham, letter to a Father of one of his soldiers giving praise to the son (Captain Cushman Cunningham). Morgan was twice wounded in the Mexican War and during the Civil War he expelled the Confederates from Cumberland Gap. After the Vicksburg Campaign, Morgan resigned due to his dissatisfaction with the use of Negro troops, ran for Governor of Ohio in 1865 and lost. full 7" X 8", War date ALS from the field at Cumberland Gap, comes with a nice stamped cover. Morgan commanded the 26th Brigade with the 42nd Ohio, 16th Ohio, and the 22nd KY.........................................$150.00 SOLD

6524 - COMMISSION SIGNED BY WILLIAM DENNISON GOVERNOR OF OHIO FOR AN OFFICER IN THE 16TH OHIO, 8" X 11", pre-printed commission for 1st Lt. Cushman Cunningham of the 16th Ohio Infantry dated May 4th, 1861 when the 16th Ohio was still a Militia unit, nice black seal, fine, some ink bleed from endorsements on the verso. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) and Adjutant into late 1863. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio through the war as an officer and adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. Dennison was instrumental in getting Ohio's troops organized and sent troops into Western Virginia in 1861 as well as becoming Postmaster General under Lincoln..................................................$150.00

6525 - COMMISSION SIGNED BY WILLIAM DENNISON GOVERNOR OF OHIO FOR AN OFFICER IN THE 16TH OHIO, 8" X 11", pre-printed commission for 1st Lt. Cushman Cunningham, December 16th, 1861, nice blue seal, fine. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) and Adjutant into late 1863. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio through the war as an officer and adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. Dennison was instrumental in getting Ohio's troops organized and sent troops into Western Virginia in 1861 as well as becoming Postmaster General under Lincoln..........$150.00

6526 - COMMISSION SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DAVID TOD OF OHIO FOR AN OFFICER IN THE 16TH OHIO, 8" X 11", pre-printed commission for Captain Cushman Cunningham, November 18th, 1862. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) and Adjutant into late 1863. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio through the war as and officer and adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from the late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. A most attractive commission with large eagle and flags. Signed by Tod as Governor...............$150.00

6527 - A RARE LINEN MAP OF CUMBERLAND GAP 1862, 7" X 13", hand-drawn map in pencil and ink showing battery positions for cannon with descriptive notes as to the size of the cannons, shows the Harlan Road as the road to Cumberland Ford. While the maker of the map is no known for certain, the map came in the person possessions of Captain Cushman Cunningham who was with the 16th Ohio at Cumberland Gap in the spring of 1862. The notations are quite clear in spite of the water stains that affect the linen in one major spot. It is most probable that Cunningham drew this map. Map is nicely keyed to the positions of the batteries with a index showing the positions by a specific letter. In late summer of 1861, the Confederacy seized the Gap and made it the eastern anchor of a defense line extending to the Mississippi River. Brigadier General William Churchwell was placed in command, and fortified the garrison during the fall of 1861. He built seven forts on the north facing slope, and cleared the mountains of all trees within one mile of each fort. Needed more elsewhere, the Confederates abandoned the Gap in June 1862. Union Brigadier General George W. Morgan soon arrived to take possession of the Gap. The 20,000 men under his command began building nine south-facing batteries to repel an invasion. But none came. The Confederates under Lt. General Kirby Smith by-passed the Gap with 12,000 men and moved into Kentucky, serving Morgan's supply line. Without food and still fearing an attack, General Morgan boldly led his men north through enemy territory to safety. The Confederates returned to the Gap, cleared up the mess General George Morgan and his men left behind, and strengthened the forts. Many skirmishes took place, as Unionists from Tennessee raided the garrison. In September 1863, a Union force under Maj. General Ambrose E. Burnside moved toward the Gap. On September 7, the Yankees destroyed provisions stored at the Iron Furnace. Burnside also deceived the Confederate commander, Brig. General John W. Frazer, into believing that his force was stronger than it actually was. Believing his Confederates to be outmanned, and short of provisions necessary for a long siege, Frazer surrendered his garrison on September 9. Lining up along the Harlan Road, the Confederates were amazed to see the small force to which they had surrendered. The Gap remained in Union hands until the end of the war. Except for a garrison inspected by Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant in January 1864, when he labeled the Cumberland Gap the "Gibraltar of America", there was little excitement. Meanwhile, the war fought to its end in the South and East. By the end of the war, the Gap had changed hands four times, yet no major confrontation took place here...........................$495.00 SOLD

6528 - NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT AS A 1ST LT. IN THE 16TH OHIO REGIMENT SIGNED BY UNION GENERAL C.P. BUCKINGHAM, Pre-printed and filled-in 8" X 10", HEADQUARTERS OF OHIO MILITIA stationary advising Cushman Cunningham that he has been appointed a Lt.  in the 16th Ohio, dated November 25th, 1861. Signed by Buckingham as Adj. General of the State of Ohio. Cushman later became a Captain and severed with the 16th Ohio until 1864. Very fine...............................................$85.00

6529 - COLONEL JOHN F. DECOURCEY OF THE 16TH OHIO WRITES A LETTER RECOMMENDING CAPTAIN CUSHMAN CUNNINGHAM BE RECOMMISSIONED AS A CAPTAIN IN THE 16TH OHIO, Letter, two pages in bold pencil datelined Lexington, KY, September 21st, 1863. The letter is addressed to the Adj. General of the State of Ohio. Recommending that Captain Cushman Cunningham be re-commissioned as a Captain again in the 16th Ohio. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) throughout the war and adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. DeCourcey commanded the 16th Ohio until his resignation in March of 1864. He stated that Cunningham's conduct under fire was always excellent. He states that the vacancy should be filled by Captain Cunningham and if not it will be a loss to the regiment. Signed as Colonel of the 16th Ohio. Quite dark for pencil..................................................$150.00 SOLD

6530 - MUSTER OUT ROLL FOR ADJ. CUSHMAN CUNNINGHAM OF THE 16TH OHIO NEAR VICKSBURG, MS, 12" X 24" printed and filled in muster out roll dated near Vicksburg, MS for Adj. Cushman Cunningham dated June 5th, 1863 while the 16th Ohio was engaged in the Vicksburg Campaign. The reason for the form was his appointment as Captain of the Regiment. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) throughout the war and Adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. Some archival repairs, otherwise paper is fresh and bold manuscript...................................$75.00

6531 - MUSTER IN ROLL FOR CAPTAIN CUSHMAN CUNNINGHAM OF THE 16TH OHIO NEAR VICKSBURG, 12" X 16" printed and filled in mustering in Captain Cushman Cunningham as a Captain in the 16th Ohio. Dated June 5th, 1863 near Vicksburg where the 16th Ohio was involved in the Vicksburg Campaign. Cunningham served with the 16th Ohio as an officer (Captain) throughout the war and Adjutant. The 16th Ohio served in the west from late 1861 to September 1864. Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, The Vicksburg Campaign, and the Red River Campaign. Very good, bold manuscript........................................$75.00

6532 - 16TH OHIO GROUPING OF CAPTAIN CUSHMAN CUNNINGHAM, Includes the following items, [a] Brigade Guard detail written July 19th, 1861 and directing Lt. Cunningham to report to the officer of the guard, lists amount of men detailed. [Written during the organization of the 16th Ohio], [b] manuscript receipt written August 5th, 1863 at Vicksburg for payment of $6.06 from the Quartermaster of the 16th Ohio from Captain Cunningham of Company F, THE DAILY REPUBLICAN, Wooster, Ohio, November 29th, 1861, [newspaper, 4 pages 8" X 14"] loaded with early war news and mentions Adj. Cunningham who had just served in a three month campaign in West Virginia, announcement of the departure of the 16th Ohio. A small but important paper loaded with early War news in the Midwest, grouping of 16th Ohio items [3].....................................................$75.00 SOLD

6533 - WOUNDED AND CAPTURED AT GETTYSBURG, COLONEL JOHN F. IRWIN 149TH PENNSYLVANIA, 8" X 10" large pre-printed and filled-in ordnance receipt signed by Irwin as Lt. Colonel of the 149th PA noted "in the field", September 25th, 1864. It appears to be all the accruements and Enfield rife of one soldier. It lists the rifle, bayonet scabbard, cap pouch, cartridge box, plate and belt, gun sling, waist belt, and belt plate. These were turned over to the Colonel by Captain John Batdorff. Quite possibly these were once the property of a dead soldier to be recycled. Irwin was adjutant of the regiment and while acting as major was wounded by a concussion of a shell at Gettysburg on July 1st, 1863. He has a factitious name as Frank Israel when he signed his parole and returned to his regiment. He commanded the 149th in the pursuit of the 149th south. He was officially promoted to Major, then Lt. Colonel. On April 2nd, 1864, he took command of the regiment. Then he was promoted to Colonel on February 2nd, 1864. Very fine............................................$95.00

The Correspondence of Engineer George P. Hunt, US Navy
In the Year 1864
"U.S.S. Metacomet"

Engineer George P. Hunt served in the US Navy from 1861-1887 on numerous ships. His tour on the "Metacomet" in 1864-1865 was highlighted by the action at Mobile Bay but between stations at Mobile his ship went on numerous cruises in search of blockade runners in the Gulf of Mexico. His letters are well written and extremely descriptive. Each letter comes with a copy photo of Hunt.

5270 - CHASING A BLOCKADE RUNNER OFF THE TEXAS COAST, USS Metacomet, January 1st, 1864. 4 pages in ink by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part, have sent views from New Orleans and Key West, view of the fort and others...have left New Orleans to carry the monitor "Milwaukee" to Mobile, then we sailed down the coast (west) and hit a gale en route like a "north westerner" with bitter cold, vessel pitching and rolling with 2-3 feet of water on the deck, all hatches secured, impossible to stand on the deck without lashing yourself to something. During the gale, we spotted a schooner that might be a blockade runner but due to the heavy seas we did not dare to turn around and chase her, we were disappointed we let a prize go through our fingers however about 3 PM the winds and seas moderated and we turned to chase him and caught him. It was laden with sugar and coffee from Vera Cruz to New Orleans. But since it was 200 miles off course, the papers funny, the Captain condemned her (as a blockade runner), the prize would mean 1/3 of a years pay for Hunt. The capture happened about 85 miles from Galveston, TX. Describes having turkey aboard the past holidays, but some were so seasick they had to dine on "salt horse". A well written letter describing a blockade runner being captured................$250.00

5272 - A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER BLOCKADER, A BLOCKADE RUNNER CAPTURED WITH JEFF DAVIS' FURNITURE, Key West, FL, February 17th, 1864. A three page letter in ink by Engineer George P. Hunt of the USS Metacomet. He relates in part...We had another collision on the 14th with the "Panemaugh" and carried away her wheel house and guard and damaged our bow some. It was his fault as we were at anchor. Our captain has requested a half a dozen more wheelhouses for the fleet and we will need them if we keep up this manner. They call us the "ram" if another wooden vessel comes in front of us. We are heading to Mobile so send letters to the USS Metacomet, West Gulf Blockading Squadron. The (Confederate) steamer "Cumberland" that as captured by the "Desoto" is bound for New York was a very nice prize. A set of furniture for Jeff Davis and 4000 pounds of powder was aboard. A well written letter by Engineer Hunt who had just joined the Metacomet............................................$195.00

5273 - THE NEAR DESTRUCTION OF THE METACOMET IN THE GULF OF MEXICO DURING BLOCKADE DUTY, USS Metacomet, Mississippi River, February 22nd, 1864. 4 page letter in ink by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates a story of near disaster, in part..."We have been at sea since 6 AM on the 18th and hit a gale that blew us for 38 hours. The second night the seas being so high and the "Metacomet" shallow and flat bottomed, we rolled like a tub and did not steer in the heavy sea, First one way than another way, sometimes sideways like a crab. Several engineers became sick and could not do their duty and could not be trusted with a watch so we had double duty. Had six hours on and six hours off no time really to eat or sleep. After two days, I came to the conclusion that they had played sick long enough and I insisted they take their watches separate from one another. We had set up a small sail to keep the vessel steady in the wind, but away went the masts overboard and then our rudder chains broke and we lay in a trough until we could rig another steering apparatus. Sometimes we were covered with 15-18' of water (waves). Leakage occurred due to the collision and 20" of water built up in the ship so pumps worked to rid the water from the ship. Last night we passed Forts St. Philip and Jackson (on the Mississippi) with the distance to New Orleans being 26 miles with a 5 knot current against us. Please excuse the writing as the vessel is shaking. A great letter dealing with the perils of sudden gales that occur in the Gulf......................................................$175.00

5275 - REBEL STEAMERS RUN THE BLOCKADE AT MOBILE, ONE GETS AGROUND, BUT WE CANNOT ATTACK IT, IF FARRAGUT WERE HERE IT WOULD BE DIFFERENT, Metacomet off Mobile, April 12th, 1864. 8 pages in ink, with stamped postal cover postmarked New Orleans, written by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part..."Your letter received has gotten me out of the blues. Yesterday two large steamers came on in right under our noses and both escaped. One Clyde built steamer, the other American made. The first a side-wheel steamer, double smokestacks and a little larger than the "Cumberland". They ran along the shore about 3/4 miles from the fort and became aground. We ran up to the flagship "Oneida" and asked permission to go up and shell her before the Confederates could get her off but we were told to go back to our station by the Senior Officer. We had to watch the Rebs bring up steamers and barges to lighten her and she got off by noon. There are 11 vessels now blockading here. The "Itasca", Pinola", "Oneida", "Ossippee", and another lying out to sea. The "Penguin", "Albatros", "Genesee" lay nearer the shore. The "Conemaugh" is in the Secesh Channel. He feels they are stationed in the main ship channel where nothing happens because they are on a black list. The "Pembina" and the "Seminole" lay below us. He remarks about better lookouts on several ships would have prevented the escape and forced them back out to sea. "We could have had a jolly good chase." At daylight, we saw a splendid American made steamer with double smokestacks, side wheels, about 1800-2000 tons, the "Austin" of Havana in the same Secesh channel about 1 1/2 miles from the fort aground. The flag officer would not let me do anything to prevent them from coming with their steamers to tow her off. She got off safe in the afternoon. There are about 40 steamers laying in Nassau waiting to run the blockade. It is provocative to say that if Farragut was here something would have been done. Little is being done to prevent them from running in her. The Rebs may want a few more English rifles and cannon, a few more Whitworth rifles or Brook's cannon which may be mounted in Fort Morgan to greet our ironclads. Says Farragut is in New Orleans. Expects a few more steamers to try to run the blockade when the moon goes down around 1 AM. A great letter regarding blockade running into Mobile just as the fleet was gathering for an attack on the forts.....................................................$350.00

5277 - BLOCKADE RUNNERS GET IN AGAIN, SENT OUT BOATS TO SCOUT THE REBEL FLEET, THE TENNESSEE AND BALTIC LAY AWAITING OUR FLEET BUT THEY MAY ATTACK FIRST, May 21st, 1864, Saturday night [off Mobile], 12 pages in ink by Engineer George P. Hunt on board the USS Metacomet. He relates in part, He has lost a trusted friend McMurray in the "Chenango Affair" who was a 2nd Engineer. He feels that they are being "Blacklisted" doing too much or too little, then overlooked by the authorities. In our case were posted in a very dangerous place and as a gale approached our Captain concluded to enter the sound as the barometer fell rapidly. Captain Jenkins of the "Richmond" sent a boat in after us and gave us the most disagreeable station for 21 days. Close attention needs to be paid to our boilers. News of Grant near Richmond. Last Saturday, a steamer ran out successfully but discovered by our picket boat. But we had problems with signals and she escaped. The "Itasca" lay close to the shore and it was to intercept her and drive her back out in the channel as they always run in close to shore. The "Itasca" got her cable caught on her propeller and signaled "Assistance I need". But at the same time one boat signaled red & white instead of white and red. The confusion allowed the steamer to escape safe while we all attached her running out. The Admiral [Farragut] just arrived on the "Hartford". We go to Pensacola for a few days for coaling. Everyone is scared here about the rebel rams. A deserter came in and reported that they were going to attack our fleet with two gunboats and two rams. Sunday, describes fishing trip nearby where they caught over 600 fish snapper and catfish, most 12-13 pounds fish but some up to 60 pounds with our lines. We also caught a 1000 pound shark and when opened it had several cats and dogs inside! The shark struck one man on deck with his tail and he went head over heels. We are laying now facing Fort Morgan and we can see Fort Gaines and Powell. I believe they are evacuating Fort Powell and laying obstruction in the channel. Reports say there are about 6 miles of batteries after passing Fort Morgan and 50 torpedoes; there was a great storm the other night as we almost lost the picket boats as the rolling seas made it difficult to come along side of us. To remain out would have resulted in being driven to shore and captured as the shore is lined with cavalry scouts watching for blockage runners. We succeeded in picking them up but one man suffered a broken leg getting out of a boat. We sent a boat to Dauphin Isle to watch the Bay for rams and ironclads. They saw two, the "Tennessee" and the "Baltic" ironclad rams and the "Selma" and the "Gaines: gunboats." Captain Leroy has made over $100,000 on a prize the "Desoto" captured. I suppose he does not care much for attacking them now. An excellent letter on the affairs in Mobile Bay in late May where blockade runners still came into Mobile quite easily much to the chagrin of Hunt and his ship seeming being out of the action for one reason or another on a "blacklist"...............................................$395.00

5279 - THE METACOMET CAPTURES THE CONFEDERATE BLOCKADE RUNNER DONEGEL, Metacomet, off Mobile, June 26th, 1864. 4 pages in ink to Miss Earnes by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...He has just returned from Pensacola [coaling] and he thanks her for the copy of the Proclamation [Emancipation Proclamation]. By now you will have learned of the capture of the "Donegal" [blockade runner by the Metacomet], hopefully we will be successful in getting some more out of the sea. The "Denbigh" ran out after the capture of the "Donegal", some said the "Metacomet" was on a wild goose chase but the "D" was the fastest blockade runner which we caught now they feel that they must watch for us. The next night we discovered the "Denbigh" running in close to shore and we drove her out to sea but it ran through our mist and escaped. The captain of the "Donegal" had ran the "Oreto" [old name for the "Florida"] in and out of Mobile and also headed the party who captured the "Fly Boston" and ran her into Mobile a short time ago. He is now in Fort Pickens and he has tried to bribe them into letting him escape. He said that there was a large amount of gold and silver on the "Donegal" and that was the richest prize yet captured. Two of our officers went to see him to try and find out something. I sent a box of cigars back on the "Union", the only thing I got off that ship. Describes the horrible hospital in Pensacola, common sea rations, no ice, no fruit, no attendants except one nigger boy, about 15 officers there suffering from diarrhea and dysentery, chills and fever. They are tormented to death by and fleas and mosquitoes at night. Some have been there for two years. I visited the hospital and decided I would rather stay on board my ship. [Page 5 is small 3" X 4" blue paper written on both sides where he adds], Tuesday night. A lively time, we stood for the Flagship "Hartford" after maneuvering the fleet again and firing at targets. The Admiral and his staff came aboard as he wanted a good at the Rebel fleet started underway so we ran closed and rounded the fort. There most formidable craft is kind half like the "Atlanta" and half "Merrimac" built as ram. Three guns on either side, the one aft is heavy English gun. The Rebs are at a loss to make of our affair. An excellent letter describing the capture of a blockade runner and after a closer look at the "Tennessee" gives a vivid description of the Confederate ram................................................$395.00

5280 - ANOTHER BLOCKADE RUNNER SLIPS IN AND GOES AGROUND, EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE BATTERIES AND THE FLEET, THE BURNING OF A BLOCKADE RUNNER, A letter started on July 4th, 1864 and ends several days later, 10 pages in ink on board the "Metacomet: off Mobile" by Engineer George P. Hunt as he relates...several days of intense action before the forts and batteries protecting Mobile, he relates in part, Thursday the "Heroine" from Havana attempted to run in and she managed to get past four of our vessels but the 5th one ran her ashore about the same position as the "Austin". The Admiral signaled us, the "Seminole", "Genesee", and the "Galena" and "Port Royal" to destroy her and the Rebs were busy in getting her cargo ashore so we went and blazed away until breakfast time and struck her several times. They opened up on us from the fort and several water batteries, during the night we silenced two of the batteries but missed one gun that blazed away at us all the day never failing to hit one of out vessels, several men were wounded by shell fragments and one boat got shot through and through and took a piece of a man's head, struck the next man in the shoulder, and passed through the body of another standing nearby nearly killing him, and then hit a mast and bounced and hit another man standing by a gun on the others side. Another shell hit us and passed through the ship above the waterline and luckily it did not burst but splinters were spread out among the men. Next morning, we went out about 10 miles to bury the dead. The "Lackawanna", "Oneida", "Monongahela", joined us as the fort opened up on us lively as did the water batteries. The rams and Rebel gunboats evidently expecting some demonstration. The blockade runners came down below the fort and shot from their Blakely guns. There was a salute from the fleet for July 4th; we are short of ammo as we have only a half a dozen shots for the blockade runners.

July 6th, 1864, we were brought a fresh supply of shell and had to go in again. Last night, the "Hartford" and "Brooklyn" sent in boats to set fire to her [stranded blockade runner]. He describes the burning of the ship, the Rebels were along the beach but their batteries did not open up on us. Flames soon shot up from the hatches of the blockade runner. Our men jumped into their boats and the rebels opened up a hailstorm of grapeshot and musketry. We were towing boats at 10 knots as the forts and batteries opened up on us. The flames from the blockade runner lighted up the beach. All hands escaped with no serious injuries. We gave the fort a couple shots as a parting salute. We anchored off the flagship at 2:30 AM all in good order. July 8th, we have learned from a deserter that the blockade runner "Denbigh" is loaded with cotton and will run out the Pelican Channel and she will be seen by us. The Pelican Channel is what the blockade runners take on the way out of Mobile. We have sent out a picket boat under Fort Gaines so if she tried to run out the "Metacomet" will ship and go as we are in good shape now. The Captain of the "Donegal" took his capture very philosophically and said he was caught fairly - "The prize is yours". He said that he paid $106,000 in gold for her in Havana and would pay $120,000 to get her back. He had been a smuggler in the English trade, opium trade, and blockading running in the Crimean War. He was released within days of his arrival in Philadelphia along with his first mate. We have been on a trip to Biloxi, Pascagoula, and Ship Island. An outstanding naval letter that has much more to offer with explicit details if the action on the days mentioned...................................................$450.00

5281 - THE METACOMET IS MOVING IRONCLADS TO MOBILE, THEY ARE GROUPING FOR THE ATTACK ON MOBILE, "Metacomet", Sunday July 30th, 1864. 4 pages in ink with a stamped cover with a New Orleans cancellation, written by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates to Miss Earnes back in New York in part...We will be in Mobile in less than 10 days, we left New Orleans with the ironclad "Winnebago" in tow a western style ironclad and arrived at Mobile at 9 AM this morning. We are going back to Ship Island for the ironclad "Chickasaw". The monitor "Manhattan" is inside Lovell Island near Mobile and the "Eutaw" and "Tecumseh" will arrive from Pensacola. I believe everything is ready for an attack. The ship is shaking and it is hard to write. We went to New Orleans for repair and coal as there is Yellow Fever in Pensacola and we will bring ironclads to Mobile. Did you get my letter about the destruction of the blockade runner under Fort Morgan and the destruction of the "D". I hope that the "Metacomet" will come out safe and sound and will convey the "Hartford" in [on the attack run]. I hope the next letter will be written closer to the city [Mobile]. The Admiral wishes for a surprise for the people of the North, I must finish in haste as we just arrived at Ship Island. "HURRAH FOR THE KEARSARGE" [news of the sinking of the Alabama by the Kearsarge has obviously arrived]. An excellent letter describing the organization of the ironclads in Mobile Bay for the upcoming main attack on August 5th on the forts and the fleet defending the City of Mobile..................................$250.00

5287 - THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM AT MOBILE, A SHORT LULL BEFORE THE MOVEMENT AGAINST MOBILE, DESERTERS COME IN WITH VALUABLE INFORMATION, THE EXCITEMENT ON THE ELECTION, "Metacomet" Mobile Bay, October 30th, 1864. 18 pages in ink addressed to Miss Ermes by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...Too quiet here, have been at anchor for a month, no shot fired, no race [chasing blockade runners]. We have had rumors that we will be sent to cruise down the coat looking for blockade runners but nothing has come of them. We are so close to the city that we can hear the church bells when things are silent. One a week under a flag of truce we exchange papers but theirs has no military new while ours are full of military news. The "Hartford" is neither going home nor the Admiral. They are putting up winter quarters for him under Fort Morgan. Everyone is excited waiting new about the election to see whether McClellan or Lincoln will be our Next President. Surely Lincoln will be elected as it will be a sorry day for the North if McClellan is elected. They are getting two torpedo boats ready in the city to run out one night and blow somebody up. They are very much alike those that were destroyed under Fort Morgan. A good sketch was in "Harpers" last month by an engineer of the "Richmond". We have several picket boats out each night ready to board them, drop a shell down her smokestack. Contrabands are coming out daily [from Mobile]. Mentions a Confederate 50 cent note he sent home. Discusses the Lincoln-McClellan election upcoming soon, have picked up 30 white and 20 contrabands, some mechanics work on some of the guns of the batteries, Mentions the feelings they hear about the people in Mobile, most men working on the fortifications. Picked up a family in a boat the other night including a conscript son who had been wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness, The old man had gone to Richmond to get his son out of the hospital and brought him home. The old man was conscripted himself at age 70 to work on the fortifications and they were going to take his youngest son so this was their second attempt to escape and were successful this time. The old man was landing under a Rebel battery and when he saw our uniforms he exclaimed "Thank God, I thought I was in the hands of the dead again." They all cried for joy. He was known by our pilot as being a farmer that the Rebs had taken everything from him and tried to take his family. A purse was taken up for him as he said he wanted to go to New Orleans and we sent him there by the mail steamer. This morning we picked up 4 contrabands and 2 mechanics the latter very intelligent and gave us a description of the batteries and number of guns and caliber, ironclads, torpedo boats, etc. They need more men in Mobile as if there were 10,000 men sent there would be a second Charleston. Wanted to go to New Orleans for coal but ships there are in quarantine. One ship that had been sent there for repairs after a collision had no hands aboard due to fever and sank in the river at night in deep water. Other ships were kept at sea for the sake of the health of their crews, others to Galveston...Mentions the crew of the "Tennessee" was depleted. The Ensign of the "Tecumseh" that we saved on the 5th of August has died. Gives a lengthy description of how he has done his duty over and above and the work he has performed on the engines due to the fact others have shirked their duties and he has complained to the Captain who has interceded and appreciated his diligence. He now has some spare time as others are now doing their jobs. Mentions General Asboth went out on a very foolish raid at Pensacola and met with disaster and lost his right arm and probably his life. There are four blockade runners in Mobile and all have been made gunboats. He continued with another letter dated November 2nd, 1864, Hurrah for Sheridan, Sherman, and Grant, I hope they will keep the ball rolling...if Lincoln is elected Friday I shall feel thankful...mentions a "copperhead officer" on board. Mentions that a great many believe in McClellan as a General, but would not vote him in the Presidential chair...we almost went to Vicksburg last week but glad we did not as it is worse there than here in the bay...he wants to be part of the operations that capture the city of Mobile and just wishes it would commence. Had a flag of truce and sent in dispatches and fired a signal gun which injured some nearby in a boat. Wants to know all about the election when it concludes. Actually two separate letters by Hunt as he describes in detail the happenings before the advance on Mobile, deserters giving valuable information, an excellent very long correspondence. Letter is accompanied by the stamped cover postmarked NEW ORLEANS...........................$395.00

5288 - THE CHASE AND CAPTURE OF THE BLOCKADE RUNNER SUSANA, "Metacomet", at sea, November 28th, 1864. 12 pages in ink, to Miss Eames from Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...We left for New Orleans on the 18th towing the "Manhattan" for repairs. We received permission to then go on a short cruise looking for blockade runners, to coal the ship in New Orleans and once at Key West or off Galveston then return to New Orleans. We steered for Campechy Bay and "Cape St. Antonio". We steamed slowly and arrived on Campechy shoals...we were fishing and all of a sudden we saw a masthead and "sail ho". We got steam up and away we went and soon saw she was a steamer heading for Havana. We gained on her rapidly and she began to throw cotton overboard. We chased her for an hour and was gaining on her and more cotton was thrown overboard. We gave the "Metacomet" more steam and gained a little more and by 2 o'clock raised 38# of steam and commenced shelling her spreading the shots all around her but she kept on her way. At last a shell exploded over her and a fragment struck a mate in the back and they gave up at 3:45 and that is what I call a good square chase for five hours and 25 minutes. She had 270 bales of cotton when she left and I do not know how many were thrown overboard. The side wheel steamer "Tennessee" had chased her last cruise for 17 hours and could not catch her , the "Bienville" chased her 10 hours and fared the same, as she is low on coal. We have her in tow heading for Key West. She is very small but a pretty little boat name the "Susana" and is very fast, they say 14 knots. We only laid in Key West 20 hours while we put a crew on her to head north. Probably my share of the prize will by 1 1/4 years pay and only four days out. I hope we will catch more and the Captain will let me go north on one. Thank heaven LINCOLN is elected! Mentions a blockade runner named the "Frances" operating out of Wilmington he would like to chase and capture. The "Frances" carried 1400 bales of cotton worth over a million dollars. Hopes he will see her one day a few miles ahead of them as she is now in Havana and is to leave the first of next week. We buried another of our wounded men the day we left the river. We will lay off Havana looking for the "F", and then cruise within 20 miles of Galveston. A great descriptive letter of the chase and capture of a blockade runner in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast by the "Metacomet". Very desirable content.................................$425.00

5289 - THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE BLOCKADE RUNNER, DENBIGH, Key West [Florida], November 29th [1864]. Two pages letter in ink from Engineer George P. Hunt of the USS Metacomet. He relates in part, We just arrived after a stormy night and leave in the morning for Havana in wait for the "Denbigh" [blockade runner] that is expected from Galveston, will not know when he will be able to write again as he does not know if he will go with the next prize steamer [he hopes to be sent north with the next captured blockade runner they catch]. If you see anything about the old "Metacomet" boys save it for me, asks that Miss Eames send some candy for him to friends as he has not time to go ashore. Hunt's ship was laying in wait for the blockade runner Denbigh that was known to be heading for Havana from Galveston. The Denbigh that was known to be heading for Havana from Galveston. The Denbigh was run aground on Bird Key, Galveston Bay on May 25th, 1865 and burned by Union blockaders the next morning. Comes with a stamped envelope addressed to Miss C [Cornelia] Eames in Brooklyn, NY. A well written letter by Hunt...................................................$195.00

5290 - A BLOCKADE RUNNER SLIPS AWAY IN THE NIGHT, Metacomet, New Orleans, December 12th, 1864. Six page letter in ink to Miss Eames from Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...We expect to be leaving on another cruise either for Mobile or Galveston. I wrote you from Key West about the capture [capture of the blockade runner Susana] and they counted the bales being 130 not as many as I had expected [counted the bales of cotton left on board as the crew had thrown many off when being chased]. We made a mistake in going to Key West with her as we lost five valuable nights, just perfect for blockade running being a full moon and the nights were almost as light as day. We cruised off the Campechy banks to a desolate island off the coast where the Mexican governments sends their exiles and convicts to and it has excellent fishing and coral reefs all around the island. We anchored in 46' of water and could see the bottom. We spotted a steamer burning soft coal heading for Havana. We have chase until the moon set and it became dark and gloomy and lost him. The steamer must have been pretty fast as we were going 13 to 13 3/4 knots for nearly four hours. If we had only one more hour of daylight we could have has passed away and then return. We entered the Mississippi and went ashore to shoot a few ducks then headed upriver and anchored off the city at 6:10. I hope we will have the pleasure of chasing the "Frances" [blockade runner]. The "Tennessee" now [renamed] the "Mobile" had chased the "Susana" and could not catch her. When they were leaving the bay [Mobile] they told us it was no use to try and catch the "Susana" as you might as well save our coal. Others told us also we would not catch her but we did. He is going to the St. Charles Theater that night to see "Hamlet", sending items home to her. I wish we could get in a chase with a [blockade runner of 1000 bales [cotton] and chase her into New York Harbor. Quite a newsy letter from Hunt on blockade duty in the middle Gulf and towards Mexico in late 1864, accompanied by the stamped cover home postmarked NEW YORK. Well written..................................................................$275.00

5291 - REBELS IN NEW ORLEANS HARASS THE WIVES OF UNION OFFICERS AT A CHARITY FAIR, THE CAPTAIN OF THE METACOMET STEPS IN, AFFAIRS IN THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, "Metacomet", New Orleans, LA, December 20th, 1864. 7 pages in ink to Miss Eames by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...he is sending home some photographs of the "Hartford", one of the Admiral, one of the passage into Mobile. Mentions he went to the theater in New Orleans and was disappointed by the acting, could have seen better in the Bowery or at Barnum's in New York. There were only about 300 people there and half of them were eating apples and oranges and cracking nuts! Describes an incident at the St. Vincent's Fair where two wives of Union officers were insulted by Secesh men when one took off a United States flag off a sugar coated house. The Captain of the "Metacomet" sent out for another house with another flag and dared the Secesh men to remove it. The matter had been referred to the Provost Marshal. The Captain had several flags from the ship hung at the Fair in defiance of the Rebels in attendance. Mentions that the guns of the Rebel captured "Tennessee" in dock in New Orleans have been "double shotted" ever since her arrival in New Orleans. Mentions another western ironclad there the "Milwaukee" and will be ready to go about the 26th and then we will tow her to Mobile. They are concerned about the mail steamer that is days late coming to New Orleans. Several cotton schooners being prizes arrived in New Orleans from off Galveston. Mentions that his Captain is anxious to get away as he has "cotton on the brain" [he is anxious to get back into the Gulf to try and capture a cotton laded blockade runner]. A very newsy letter about the incident in New Orleans by the Secesh men harassing the wives of Union officers, much more details on the incident, comes with a stamped envelope postmarked NEW ORLEANS. Very fine..................................................$200.00

5292 - ANCHORED OFF THE TEXAS COAST, LOW ON COAL, BLOCKADE RUNNERS LEAVING GALVESTON, Sabine Pass, TX, January 31st, 1865 [aboard the Metacomet]. 4 pages in ink to Miss Eames from Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...The Admiral passes here on his return from the Rio Grande. The mail boat has just brought papers with the news of the capture of Fort Fisher, good for Porter but Butler has gotten himself in dispute. Wishes he could have been at that spot and seen the grand fleet [the one that captured Fort Fisher]. It seems that our luck has played out. We went to Galveston for coal but due to high seas we could not get any and do not have enough to get to New Orleans. When we left Galveston looking for coal there were a number of steamers there ready to run out, one a large cotton steamer laying by the city. He wants to be examined for the upgrade rank of first engineer but fears he may have to wait until he goes north. Word is that the "double enders" may return north. He does not want to leave the "Metacomet" now as everything is working to his satisfaction [engines]. He states that he did not see any ladies in New Orleans well enough to give them his card. I hope to write you some good news from the Campechy Banks, noted on February they are still in anchor at Sabine Pass. The "Metacomet" is awaiting coal in Sabine Pass while the blockade runners apparently are moving out of Galveston with cotton. He hopes to be off the Texas-Mexican coast soon ready to intercept one bound for Havana...Letter comes with a stamped cover postmarked NEW ORLEANS Feb. 6th, '65.....................................................$195.00

5293 - THE METACOMET CAPTURES TWO BLOCKADE RUNNERS, OTHERS ESCAPE FROM GALVESTON, THE REBELS AT MOBILE SEND OUT TORPEDO BOATS, BUILDING UP THE FORTIFICATIONS FOR THE EXPECTED ATTACK, Steamer "Metacomet", Mobile Bay, February 26th, 1865. 10 1/2 pages in ink to Miss Eames by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...We are back anchored near the city [Mobile] and the prospects of a fight or an evacuation as good as months ago. Mentions a fellow friend and sailor who were in a naval fight in an ironclad that burst a gun. I must tell you of our late capture of the "Lily" [not Lily of the Valley] and the "Sea Witch". We captured the "Lily" lying off Galveston waiting for night. She had "gunny bags" and salt and we took her to Sabine Pass. We have sent the "Sea Witch" to New Orleans. Steamers are running in and out of Galveston when they choose. Two nights before we arrived at Galveston two ran out, one got aground but got off. When we got to Galveston, we received orders to return to New Orleans. We traveled with the "Bienville" who was also returning for repair to New Orleans. The officers of the "Bienville" did not think we could keep up with them. We left for New Orleans and soon were 3 1/2 miles ahead of the "B" when we saw two schooners 10 miles distant and on out course. We chased them and "spake" both [hailed both] while the "Bienville" kept on her way. But by the next day we caught up with her as we crossed the bar and beat the "Bienville" to the city of New Orleans. The "Sciota" has just arrived with news that several Mississippi steamers have brought troops from New Orleans [to Mobile] but I do not think an attack is probable. Queried the Chief Engineer about his pending examination and was told to ask for a weeks leave to take it, news from Charleston that the Rebels have evacuated the city. Everybody here has torpedoes on the brain.  The Rebs have two torpedo boats ready to come out and blow somebody up. They rammed the "Octorara" the other night but the torpedo did not explode. Small pox was very prevalent in New Orleans and now has shown up among out troops in Fort Morgan. We have a great many troops there preparing for an attack. General Granger has gone to New Orleans and Rear Admiral Thatcher is in command of the squadron. General Thomas is approaching Montgomery in route for Mobile. I suspect when he gets closer we will have an attack. Sherman has done well and the loss of Charleston is a severe blow to the Confederacy. He does not understand why it is taking so long to attack Mobile or Galveston. He feels that it could be taken with less a force than needed to blockade the cities. Gives details on the sale of the cotton and the blockade runner "Susana" and feels both sold too cheap. Confederate prisoners have been put to work on the fortifications and General Granger has returned. The Confederates had put our men [prisoners] at work on their fortifications so we did the same. A steamer blew up after leaving New Orleans but no appearance of a Rebel attack. The Rebs are receiving reinforcements and building batteries in range of where we lay now. A well detailed letter mentioning the capture of two blockade runners off Galveston, new of the Rebels at Mobile still being aggressive with their torpedo boats, fortifying their position at Mobile for the impending Union attack, comes with a stamped cover postmarked NEW ORLEANS. A well written letter by Hunt.................................................$395.00

5297 - THE ASSASSINATION OF LINCOLN NEWS REACHED MOBILE, RARE COMMENTS ABOUT REPRISALS AGAINST COPPERHEADS AND SECESSIONISTS WHO CHEER LINCOLN'S DEATH, THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CSS WEBB BELOW NEW ORLEANS, USS "Metacomet", May 1st, 1865, Mobile Bay. 12 page letter in ink to Miss Eames from Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...He writes about the surrender of Mobile and thanks her for the papers that she sent on the Capture of Richmond. We fired a salute of 100 guns on the glorious news. He mentioned the Admiral returning from Pensacola with the dreadful news for Washington [Assassination of Lincoln]. On the ship only one man rejoiced at the nation's calamity and if it was not for the Provost Marshal he would have been tied to a lamp post [hung]. General Banks came down on a steamer from Cairo to New Orleans and he made a speech at Baton Rouge and an Illinois Copperhead shouted at him that it was good news [Lincoln's death] he fell dead pierced by 15 bullets. In New Orleans, the same thing occurred when five secessionists or copperheads shouted it was good that the "rail splitter" was dead and the Colored troops would have to return to their masters and the Colored troops shot them. I did not believe the first reports but at last came the confirmation of the assassination of the President but also the brutal murder of Secretary Seward. Who shall be found to take their places? One account says he is still alive. He lauds the diplomatic skills of Seward during the war. Nothing is said who are the assassins but he believes they will be found and this will unite the north. I don't know much about the abilities of Johnson as President but Lincoln seemed to have every confidence in him. If the copperheads had anything to do with this no mercy should be shown to them. President Lincoln has won for himself a name that will exist forever whether a Republican or Liberal Government shall endure. He was simple, warm hearted, honest, and generous to a fault. This Republican President has been cut down in the midst of his glory where can we find a fit successor? The Union will live but oh had he lived enough to have realized the success of his great mission. What the policy of President Johnson towards the rebellious states the leaders will find top their cost that the tenderness of Abraham Lincoln forms no part of Andrew Johnson's character. May 5th [1865], He thanks her for all the papers received. The news has arrived of the arrest of some of the conspirators and the shooting of Booth. He should have been taken alive as his punishment was too light. There is news of the surrender of Dick Taylor; we leave here in a few days on the flagship of Admiral Thatcher for Galveston. Discusses going ashore in Mobile and Pensacola. Wants to take his exam on advancement. News has arrived of the capture of Jefferson Davis at Raleigh. News or rumors persist that General Canby will head for Mexico with 50,000 troops. He describes the destruction of the Rebel ram "Webb" below New Orleans. The "Webb" was bottled up on the Red River and escaped two steamers, the monitor "Manhattan" and "Tennessee" and headed down the Mississippi with over 300 bales of cotton aboard commanded by Lt. Reed of some notoriety [Tacony & Chesapeake fame]. They were trying to run the blockade. The telegraph wires were cut from the Red River and no one in New Orleans knew she was coming but 15 minutes before she passed the gunboats. They fired but she did not return fire. Our shots struck in the city and in Algiers across the river. The tugboat "Hollybock" started after her firing at her, the telegraph wires were cut also below the city. She would have made it to sea but fortunately the "Richmond" had left here the day before and was steaming up the river, and seeing the chase, stopped and rolled out her 11 nine inch guns and waited until she could deliver a broadside that would have sunk her but they instead ran her ashore. Some ran off in the swamp, others set her afire but they caught most of them. The vessel was burnt up. So much for the ram "Webb". A wonderful descriptive letter of the after effects of the Assassination of Lincoln in the South and the feelings Hunt had for the slain President. Much more on Hunt's activities as an engineer on the "Metacomet", and a nice account of one of the last naval encounters on the Mississippi River being the destruction of the "Webb" by the "Richmond"...........................................$595.00

5298 - SORROW AT THE DEATH OF LINCOLN, WISHED HE COULD BE AT THE FUNERAL IN NEW YORK, Sunday night 7:30, [May 8th, 1865]. Two page letter to Miss Eames from Engineer George P. Hunt of the USS Metacomet. He relates to her...I did not go ashore today [in Mobile] but the Captain and officers have been in the city for a week. I have been reading your papers [newspapers that related to the funeral of Lincoln in New York], he wished he could have been in New York as it must have been a mournful sight. I would have given almost anything for the privilege to have seen him one more time [Lincoln]. It is gratifying to see that the country has so well appreciated the man and to show so much sympathy for his loss, who would have thought that three years ago. He asks her to buy him a good photograph of him. He is very specific for her not to rush and buy any photo but to take her time and select a really good one. Mentions that the steamer "Glascoe" being the mail steamer has sunk and the cause is not known. An interesting letter regarding the funeral of Lincoln in New York, comes with a cover dated May 8th [1865].................$200.00

5299 - HUGE EXPLOSION IN MOBILE PRACTICALLY DESTROYED THE CITY, "Metacomet" Flag Ship, Mobile Bay, May 28th, 1865. 6 page letter in ink to Miss Eames from Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...He mentions a explosion the other day that destroyed several vessels and killed some men and carelessness was the cause. There was 30-40 tons of powder and a vast quantity of loose shells was lying around. We were 7 1/2 miles down the Bay. The concussion was great enough to shake our ship as if we had collided with another ship. There was timber and iron in the sky to 1500 feet and 10,000 bales of cotton took fire and many buildings with many blocks in ruins. The fire engines could do nothing with the shells exploding at the rate of 20 per second for 18 hours. The Admiral has gone to New Orleans and we are the flagship. I don't suppose I will be going to Galveston. News has just arrived at the surrender of Galveston. Describes the City of Mobile as well as the grand houses in the neighborhood that look rundown at present. Mentions the capture of Jeff Davis and he ought to be hung in chains in Fort Lafayette. Much more on the affairs near the city and his plight taking his exam and trying to go north and home. A good description of the huge fire in Mobile that destroyed large parts of the City, comes with a stamped cover with a MOBILE cancellation......................................$225.00

6000 - NAVAL POLITICS IN MOBILE, HIS CAPTAIN WAS CLEARED OF CHARGES IN A COURT MARTIAL BUT IS ON THE BLACK LIST, "Metacomet" Mobile, AL, June 24th, 1865. Four page letter in ink to Miss Eames by Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates in part...Boats are going north but not the "Metacomet". His Captain seems to be afraid to come north afraid to face what his next assignment will be as he faced charges at a court martial which were not sustained and he will be on the "black list". Mentions an incident where he almost caused a tip over of a boat that carried the Admiral [Thatcher]. The Captain pleaded sickness as the cause of my actions. I hope I do not see the Gulf for 7-8 years as the heat is terrible as well as the mosquitoes. The 4th of July will soon be here and I shall be in Mobile. We shall fire a salute for the Admiral and Jeff Davis is down. He encloses a Confederate bill for Johnny. Hunt is about to conclude his tour of duty at the Mobile station and gives more insight his Captain is unpopular with the local naval authorities have made it through a court martial. Comes with a nice MOBILE postmarked stamped cover................................................$165.00

6001 - ENGINEER HUNT IS TRANSFERRED TO THE OCTORARO AND WILL BE GOING HOME, "OCTORARO", Mobile, AL, June 28th, 1865. One page letter in ink to Miss Eames from Engineer George P. Hunt. He relates...Not to write to him again until she hears from him as he has joined the "Octoraro" today and she is expected to go north soon. I applied to go north on a ship and yesterday I received the unexpected news of this new assignment. He is hearing rumors about going home and he hopes to arrive home safe and if he does so he will consider himself very lucky. Comes with a nice MOBILE postmarked stamped cover. The "Octoraro" was another ship that had been in Mobile in Farragut's Fleet..................$100.00

5130 - THE ARMY PREPARES FOR BATTLE IN KENTUCKY, September 24th, 1862. 2+ pages in ink by Private George B. Dowsman of the 75th Indiana Infantry, Co H, Louisville, KY. He relates to his family, "We are now at Louisville and have come here from Shepherdsville on the 23rd. There is an immense army at this place designed to defend the City against the advancing hordes of the Rebel General Bragg that is now stationed at the several places that we have evacuated and judging by the movements that are being made he is about to advance upon the city. Yesterday the women and the children were leaving the city as fast as conveyance at hand could take them. The business places are closed and the (businesses) entirely suspended. E(verybody) has to have his name enrolled at 2 o'clock today or be arrested and his case investigated. There is one hundred and six thousand troops here besides the home guards, citizens will be enrolled on the other side of the river at Jeffersonville. The long roll was beat last night about 2 o'clock. In an instant, every man was under arms and ready to meet the enemy. We were formed into line and remained in until daylight. There is a great diversity of opinion as to what was the object of the rebels. Some think we will be attacked before tomorrow morning and others laugh and say we will not be attacked at all...I think that if Gen. Buell is as near as Bragg's army as he is reported to be we will not be attacked at all but I am not concerned as I think we can handle them pretty easy. It is a wonder to me that we have not been captured. We have skedaddled over Kentucky considerable in a small body so small that it would not have taken much of a force to capture us. We have been drove around so much that the boys call us the flying infantry and say that we can neither be catched or whipped for lighting could not catch us when the rebels make their appearance..." While Bragg rested his troops and planned his next move in Kentucky, Buell marched north from Bowling Green and arrived in Louisville on September 25th. Seeing his primary objective fallen into Union hands, Bragg turned to Bardstown, where he had expected to meet Smith. Smith was actually operating independently near Frankfort, and Bragg, now panifully aware that the lack of cooperation with Smith might prove the Confederates' undoing in Kentucky, began to disperse his troops into defensive postures at Bardstown, Shelbyville, and Danville. Written on a piece of irregular necessity paper, fissure in paper has been restored. Interesting letter on the Union defense of Kentucky forcing Bragg to reconsider his advance.............................................$225.00

5131 - JOHN HUNT MORGAN RAIDS IN TENNESSEE, DESTROYING RAILROADS, CAPTURING UNION SOLDIERS, PURPOSE OF THE WAR TO ABOLISH SLAVERY, February 5th, 1863, near Murfreesboro, TN. 4 page letter in ink by Pvt. George B. Dowsman, Co. H, 75 Indiana Volunteers to friends. He relates, "I have not been well about three weeks...my complaint is chronic diarrhea and having it so long it begins to take me down and I have no strength at all in my arms and legs. About a week ago, I had fear that I would loose the use of my limbs entirely. My right arm was perfectly paralyzed but has got so I can use it again...THERE IS A WILY MAN AROUND THESE DIGGINS CALLED JOHN MORGAN, THE SOLDIERS CALL HIM UNCLE JOHN WHO CUTS SOME MIGHTLY BIG PRANKS AND CAPERS BY THE WAY OF BURNING BRIDGES, TEARING UP RAILROADS AND NOT UNFREQUENTLY HAPPENED THAT IN THE LATTER PART OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER LAST UNCLE JOHN TO IT INTO HIS HEADS TO TEAR UP THE LOUISVILLE AND NASHVILLE RR SO AT IT HE WENT AND DESTROYED CONSIDERABLE OF THE ROAD...YOU ASKED ME WHAT THEY WERE FIGHTING FOR IF IT WAS TO FREE THE NEGROES. LET ME ASK YOU...THIS WAR IS CARRIED ON FOR NO OTHER PURPOSE...I FEEL CONVINCED THAT THE END CLAIMED AT BY THE AUTHORITIES AT WASHINGTON IS THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY. Morgan was promoted to Brigadier General (his highest rank) on December 11, 1862. He received the thanks of the Confederate Congress on May 1, 1863 for his raids on the supply lines of Union Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans in December and January, most notably his victory at the Battle of Hartsville on December 7th. Dowsman dies of disease 23 days later at Murfreesboro......................................$265.00

5132 - A CAPTAIN WRITES A LONG LETTER DESCRIBING THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF ONE OF HIS SOLDIERS AT MURFREESBORO, TN TO THE SOLDIER'S FAMILY, Murfreesboro, TN, March 20th, 1863. Long four page letter to the sister of Pvt. George B. Dowsman, Company H, 75th Indiana Infantry by Captain William McGuiness addressed to Miss Amandy Dowsman. He relates, "I shall sit down and write you the particulars about George Dowsman and give you a correct statement...he was taken with diarrhea and could not hold it in check until he became much reduced and near the last his legs and his arms (were lost) still he kept up a good heart and seemed all the time cheerful. I got him into the hospital in company and the boys and I were with him through the day and through the night. I detailed some of his mess to stay with him to give him his medicine but he kept sinking timely. Finally the night before his death near midnight he sent for me and I went to him to see what he wanted and his reply was "Captain, you are an older man than me and I believe you when you tell me the truth and I sent for you to ask your advise had what I best am to do and what you think of my condition." I of course did not say anything calculated to discourage him nor did I encourage him but told him not to get discouraged. He asked me to write his Father a letter regarding his condition and I went to my quarters to write the letter. The next night he was failing fast and could not last over the night. Again near midnight, he again sent for me and I went to him but he was flighty and did not know what he was saying and soon breathed his last. He was buried in a rough box in his uniform with his blanket around him. It was the best I could do under the circumstances. He is buried near Murfreesboro on the Woodbury Pike where they are hundreds that have fallen by the enemy's balls in this bloody battle. I had a headboard put up on his grave with his name and date of death. I have sent his Father a letter and mourn with you...I found a miniature in his pocket and will send it to you. A long and detailed letter describing the death and burial of one of the many thousands who died of disease during the war..............................$275.00 SOLD

5133 - WILSON READIES HIS TROOPS IN ALABAMA TO CATCH FORREST, Camp at Gravelly Springs, Alabama, March 20th, 1865. One large page in ink written by Lt. William Bayard of the 4th US Cavalry to fellow officer Captain Clarence Mauck. He relates..."We have been lying in camp since January 12th, poor Fitz, is dead, he died from the effects of a shell wound in the leg in the late charge near Franklin (TN). Davis is adjutant of the regiments, mentions others at camp by name. Several plan to go into RECRUITING service soon. WE ARE NOW AT WILSON'S HEADQUARTERS; I PASS MY TIME VERY PLEASANTLY AND LIKE WILSON PRETTY WELL. WE EXPECT TO MOVE IN A VERY FEW DAYS, WILSON HAS 12,000 CAVALRY HERE. Major General James H. Wilson, commanding three divisions of Union cavalry, about 13,500 men, led his men south from Gravelly Springs, AL on March 22, 1865. Opposed by Confederate Lieutenant General Nathan B. Forrest, Wilson skillfully continued his march and eventually defeated him in a running battle at Ebenezer Church, on April 1st. Continuing towards Selma, Wilson split his command into three columns. Although Selma was well-defended, the Union columns broke through the defenses at separate points forcing the Confederates to surrender the city, although many of the officers and men, including Forrest and Lieutenant General Richard Taylor, escaped. Bayard was brevetted for gallantry three times during the War. Well written (PB)...............................................$165.00

5134 - SHERIDAN RAIDS IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 1865, BATTLE OF WAYNESBORO, March 6th, 1865, Winchester, VA. Written to his Mother and Sister by Jacob Domer, Co. E, 1st US Cavalry. 4 pages in ink. He relates, "Excuse me for not writing but I have been ill for several days, Sheridan has gone up the Valley with near all the forces that were lying around Winchester, so that there is just a guard remaining at this place. There is no knowing where he is or when he will return at this place, some say he is going on a raid to join Sherman or Grant, talks about affairs at home, a poor farm, tells his sister not to send a box as they are about to move any day. It is reported that Sheridan captured old Early the Lt. General in the Rebel army and 1800 men, besides we expect them to come in every minute with the prisoners and the spoils of another great victory in the Shenandoah Valley [The Battle of Waynesboro March 2nd, 1865]. There will be no more furloughs given out this winter. What are the people at home say of the fall of Charleston and how long the War is going to last as it was great news for this place and excitement is no language to describe the feeling it caused among the soldiers and Union people of Winchester. One hundred guns were fired as a salute for the victory and fall of Charleston." Desiring to eliminate Early's small force as a threat to his rear (and perhaps wanting to remain in Virginia to help finish off Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia near Richmond and Petersburg, Sheridan turned east instead of proceeding to Sherman. Custer's Union division slogged through muddy roads in cold downpour, and on March 2nd encountered the last remnant of Early's Army of the Valley at Waynesboro. Aligned in a defensive positoin along a ridge in front of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, Early placed his artillery (11 to 14 guns) in a good position to contest any Federal advance. However, he left his left flank exposed, supposing (incorrectly) those dense woods would impede any Union thrust in that direction. After a brief stand-off, a determined Federal attack rolled up Early's left flank and scattered his small force.....................................................$175.00

5135 - AN OFFICER'S WIFE IS DETERMINED TO FREE HER HUSBAND FROM PRISON AFTER THE BATTLE OF BULLS RUN, 4 page letter to Captain McMahon on General George McClellan's staff written by Richard Olgamon concerning the wounding and capture of Lt. John W. Dempsey, Company H, 82nd NY Infantry who was wounded in the head July 21st, 1861 at Bulls Run and became a POW until 1863. Later he entered the VRC in July 1863 after his liberation from a Federal Prison. The writer relates..."Let me introduce you to Mrs. Dempsey wife of Lt. Dempsey of the 2nd NY State Militia who was wounded at Bulls Run and has been a prisoner among the Rebels. Mrs. Dempsey's efforts to accomplish her husband's release exhibit a degree of resolution and persistence which I wish to God all of us men could lay claim to. You know how I feel about the question of the exchange of prisoners and you will pardon me if I ask you to add to your many duties this new duty of helping this poor lady as far as you can. She will tell you what she wants." Obviously the writer was someone of influence probably from his home state of New York. Nevertheless it was almost two years for Dempsey to be released by the Confederates. POW 7/21/1861 Bull Run, VA (Paroled in 1863)* Wounded 7/21/1861 Bull Run, VA (Wounded in head)* Confined 7/23/1861 Richmond, VA (estimated day; sent to Charleston, SC)* Furloughed 7/13/1863 Washington, DC. An unusual letter from a POW from the first major battle of the Civil War. Very fine..........................$165.00

5136 - HE DIES AT PORT HUDSON SOON AFTER THIS LETTER WAS WRITTEN, April 26th, 1863, Baton Rouge, LA. Four large pages in pencil written by Pvt. Richard K. Lunt, Company A, 48th Mass. Volunteers. In part he relates to his family..."We have left off guard duty to the United States barracks and have come back to camp. Last Thursday we started off on a march down the river road towards Louisville (LA) to mend the telegraph line. The Rebels made a raid from Port Hudson with 200 Cavalry and cut down the posts and broke the wire for about 30 miles. Our company went with 4 Cavalry and 3 telegraph operators. We marched about 18 miles and mended about 3 miles and then came across the 28th Maine Regiment and camped in a Nigger hut. The 28th Maine treated us like gentlemen, gave us beefsteak, sugar and told us where we could get milk and eggs. While we were walking across the levee, we were fired into by some Rebel Cavalry across the river. We saw them but their shots fell short." The letter is accompanied with its patriotic motif transmittal postal cover with a colored vignette of Miss Liberty (stamp missing). Lunt died at Port Hudson on June 14th, 1863 after fighting in several Louisiana skirmishes such as Plains Store, LA and at Port Hudson where he was killed. In pencil, well written. 2 items......................................$135.00

5137 - WOUNDED AND KILLED AT THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, Halls Hill, VA, November 2nd, 1861. Three pages in ink on yellow stationary, Pvt. Henry W. Warren, Company D, 18th Mass. Volunteers. He relates in part to his brother...There were 70,000 men in the troop review, surely enough to clear out Virginia, was on the march all day to and from the Parade grounds about four miles away, we carried ball and cartridges so that the Rebels would not catch us with our pants down. He described a Thanksgiving dinner with a Corporal supplying the cigars. He expects to have a new uniform soon as their uniform is much too light for the weather." Letter comes with a transmittal envelope addressed to Middleboro, MA. Warren was wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13th, 1862 and died after his severely wounded leg was amputated on December 20th, 1862.....................................................$110.00

5138 - HOSPITAL STEWARD CAREY E. MCCANN WRITES ON THE MARCH FROM ALABAMA INTO GEORGIA, Decatur, AL, May 27th, 1864, Co. I, 68th Ohio Infantry. 3 pages (large) in ink to his Mother. In part he relates..."He had come to this post to get medical supplies for the regiment, his health and the regiment's is very good, the recruits complain of sore feet and diarrhea. This place is located on the Tennessee River and is a miserable place but we leave in a few minutes for Rome, Ga. Our communications will not be kept up in our rear but by just our scouts probably. We have heard that General Grant has defeated General Grant and that the letter came out of his fortifications and moved against Grant's position. I have hopes it is not just a rumor and will not believe until I see something official. We will get to Rome or Kingston in about 10-12 days with a little fighting thrown in but the Sesesh do not like to mix it up with the "Samuel Blue Coats". It is thought that the Southern Con-fed-e-racy is just about Belly up...he is on his belly that morning in the sun writing this letter sitting on his knapsack and using a box for his desk. He plans to march until he is tired and then ride a while in a wagon. He is referring to the late Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia fought a few weeks earlier where the battle was basically a draw but a strategic victory for Grant. An excellent letter on the 68th Ohio moving in the Atlanta Campaign into north western Georgia in late May 1864.........................................$145.00

5139 - THE SHARPSHOOTERS AT WORK ON BOTH SIDES NEAR SUFFOLK, VA, April 30th, 1863. 4 large pages in ink, Captain Mathew McCann, Company F, 152nd NYV writes to his "Chosen ones of my heart". In part...We have relocated outside the village of Suffolk in our shelter tents, we are surrounded by different regiments and the boom of heavy guns from our different batteries that are shelling the Rebels and the CRACK of rifles in the hands of the SHARPSHOOTERS as they exchange shots with the Rebels who are just across the Nanosecond River not one quarter mile from us. It is very dangerous for those who ramble as those who ramble becomes a prominent mark for the REBEL SHARPSHOOTERS who lay concealed behind their rifle pits on the other side. I do not ramble near and expose myself unless in the discharge of my duty as a soldier. He describes the look of excitement in the camp at the arrival of the mail and is disappointed he did not get a furlough but few are given when before the enemy, things are good in camp, he is stouter and will send a photograph." An excellent letter describing the dangers of the sharpshooters who strike from nowhere to shoot soldiers wandering along the lines not paying attention to the dangers. On April 19th, a Union Infantry force landed on Hill's Point at the confluence of the forks of the Nanosecond River. This amphibious force assaulted Fort Huger from the rear, quickly capturing its garrison, thus reopening the river to Union shipping. On April 24th, Brig. Gen. Michael Corcoran's Union division mounted a reconnaissance-in-force from Fort Dix against Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett's extreme right flank. The Federals approached cautiously and were easily repulsed. On April 29th, Gen. Robert E. Lee direct Longstreet to disengage from Suffolk and rejoin the Army of Northern Virginia at Fredericksburg. By May 4th, the last of Longstreet's command had crossed the Blackwater River en route to Richmond.................................................$165.00

51310 - BATTLE OF CARRSVILLE, VA, Suffolk, VA, May 24th, 1863. 3 page letter in ink by Lt. Selwyn E. Bickford, Company G, 6th Mass. Infantry. He relates in part to his friend Anderson..."On the 13th, we were ordered on a scout and just returned yesterday and we will probably leave Suffolk and we will probably leave for Lowell next Wednesday or Thursday, letters reached me at Carrsville where we were stationed for four days. I presume the papers have given you an account of our fight at Carrsville as we had a lively one and the regiment did itself much credit. We went in a little after a half past two in the afternoon and came out near six that night. The New York papers give all the credit to the New York troops but we were in the advance nearly all of the time. We had six times the losses of any other regiment tell the story. We had no fighting after the 15th but were traveling about most of the time. When we left camp we were supposed to be back in three days and took clothes accordingly. We stayed out 11 days so you can judge our condition. He requests a room be gotten for him upon his return home at a hotel and thinks he will leave the area before any letter can reach him." An extremely well written letter regarding one of the battles for the defense of Suffolk, VA. At Carrsville, VA, May 14-16, 1863, the regiment was engaged with loss. The siege of Suffolk being ended, on the 26th of May the regiment left for Boston, where it arrived on the 29th. Proceeding to Lowell, on June 3rd it was mustered out of the service..........................................$150.00

51311 - THE LIEUTENANT IS A LADIES MAN, DOES NOT RECOMMEND DUTY AS A OFFICER IN THE US CT AS THERE IS A HUGE CULTURE DIFFERENCE, Fortress Monroe, VA, Sunday August 16th, 1863, addressed to his friend Anderson by Lt. Selwyn Bickford, 6th Mass. Infantry. Six large pages in ink. He relates in part...He discusses his recent stay at home and his visit with his wife which he claims was purely business and his thoughts that there will be a "constriction of the Union". No arrangements had been made between her and me and nothing has changed my decision since we separated. Heard a lot abut his domestic affairs the four weeks he was in Lowell...a friend had remarked that he was smart enough to succeed BUT WOMEN WERE KILLING ME...mentions that the old clerk has a sundry business of cutting lumber with a gang of Negroes. It is the policy of the Government to get all they can out of the abandoned farms and plantations with Captain Wilder in charge to doing it. He describes the life at Fortress Monroe, no society and the comforts of New England, he has had words already with the old Captain as he dislikes the sharp tone in the Captain's voice, many of the troops have departed for Charleston, every day more move South, THREE REGIMENTS OF COLORED TROOPS HAVE BEEN HERE WITHIN THE PAST TEN DAYS. IF YOU WANT A COMMISSION IN ONE OF THOSE I THINK I CAN HELP YOU. BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN I JUDGE THE STANDARDS LESSER AMONG THESE TROOPS THAN THE WHITE VOLUNTEERS. If I should leave here I think I shall go to Washington and prospect a week or two. Please keep rather still about my movements. A very interesting letter from a "Ladies Man" who was obviously estranged from his wife who obviously desired to better himself more than serving in the Army. Bickford has rejoined the Army after he was discharged back in June. Extremely well written on large pages..........................................................$125.00

51312 - HANDLING THE NEGROES ON PLANTATIONS TO MAKE A PROFIT, AN OFFICER RECRUITS A FRIEND TO ASSIST HIM IN MAKING PERSONAL PROFIT FROM THE CAPTURED PLANTATIONS, Fortress Monroe, VA, December 27th, 1863. Six long pages in ink written by Lt. Selwyn E. Bickford, Chief Clerk at Fortress Monroe. He relates in part to friend Anderson back in Lowell, MA...He has built up a trade at the fort that has made him $400-$3000 in November serving as Fortress Monroe as Chief Clerk, discusses business opportunities with Anderson in regard to running plantations in Louisiana and Mississippi that have been confiscated for a year. By knowledge of your modus operandi gained in your residence there and what I know of the "Colored gunmen" [USCT soldiers], the way of putting them over and getting work out of them. I think we will be a stronger team than one that had no opinion of them. Many northern men are here with the idea of carrying on a plantation and the Captain sometimes has 15 plantations on his hands [plantations confiscated], but northern men and Negroes do not work to pull together, he mentions about growing corn but in "DIXIE" cotton is king. We need to get as much as possible from Uncle Sam [refers to the quick use of the plantations for their personal gain] so that if the Rebels make a raid through our operations we will not be much out. Mentions a friend who was made a 1st Lt. in the 1st US Colored Cavalry [Charley Calhoun], mentions that the Norfolk Gas Works is in operation. The Russian fleet is in port at this time and the MINNESOTA has come down from Newport News describing the uniforms of the Russian Navy as "funny looking". Mentions Butler's famous general order on contrabands. A well written long letter describing his plans to run several plantations for personal profit with the use of Negroes left on the plantations or contrabands. Bickford schemes with his friend Anderson in order to secure a partnership with him as being the Chief Clerk at the Fort he was privy to information on available plantations that could be run for personal profit. A very revealing letter regarding managing Negroes..........................................$175.00

51313 - THE RAID TOWARDS RICHMOND THAT PROCEEDED THE DAHLGREN-KILPATRICK RAID THAT FAILED, GENERAL BUTLER'S FRIENDS ARRIVE FROM LOWELL, MA, FORMING BLACK REGIMENTS, Fortress Monroe, February 9th, 1864. 6 long pages in ink written by Lt. Selwyn E. Bickford, Chief Clerk at Fortress Monroe, VA. He relates in part to his friend [Anderson]...He suggests that he present his documents to General Butler and he will take care of him and put him in position to make some money. Lowell people come there for business [Lowell was the home of Butler and he was a patron for local townspeople in Virginia]. People from Lowell hope the halo around Butler will shed some radiance upon them. Mentions ladies that have come there which please him. Discusses the reconnaissance successes toward Richmond by our troops at Yorktown as a force as large as 12,000 has pushed as far as they can. The operation has been managed quite quietly as I presume Northern people would not have dreamed of it...The object was to dash into Richmond, liberate the prisoners, and do as much damage as possible. They have not been successful as the Rebels were aware of the affair and were prepared. That game cannot be tried again at present. Recruiting among the Negroes is brisk but officers are not plentiful. The 2nd Cavalry at Camp Hamilton is short 10-12 officers; those who join have a chance for glory. General Butler had reviewed the 1st and 2nd Regiments last Sunday [BOTH COLORED CAVALRY UNITS]. To distract attention from a planned cavlary-infantry raid up the Peninsula on Richmond, the Federal Army forced several crossings of the Rapidan River on February 6. All Corps division crossed at Morton's Ford, the 1st Corps at Raccoon Ford. Union Cavalry crossed at Robertson's Ford. Ewell's Corps resisted the crossings. Fighting was sporadic but most severe at Morton's Ford. By February 7, the attacks had stalled, and the Federals withdrew during the night. Several weeks later Kilpatrick and Dahlgren made another effort to attack Richmond that failed. An excellent letter extremely well written.........................................$195.00

51314 - A GREAT DESCRIPTION OF GRANT AT FORTRESS MONROE, THE PEACE COMMISSIONERS, BUTLER AS A POSSIBLE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, 8 pages in ink by Lt. Selwyn E. Bickford, Chief Clerk at Fortress Monroe, VA, April 20th, 1864. He relates in part to his friend Anderson...He is assisted by three clerks in the office as the paperwork is so tedious, does not know what part of VA the fight will come from whether it be Eastern VA or on the Rapidan, a large force will be there by May, General Butler is very popular and is a candidate for the Presidency. If Butler was elected all of Lowell would move to Washington. It was rumored that President Lincoln and his wife would be there that day but he went back to Washington, GENERAL GRANT AND HIS STAFF WERE THERE FOR THREE DAYS AND I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE GENERAL TWICE. hE IS VERY UNPRETENDING IN DRESS AND MANNERS AND IS NOT SO MUCH OF A "BOND BOX GENERAL" AS I WOULD LIKE HIM TO BE. HE WORE HIS BEARD CUT CLOSE AND HAD A CIGAR IN HIS MOUTH. HIS DOUBLE BREASTED COAT WAS UN BUTTONED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AND IT SWAYED GENTLY IN THE WIND AS HE RODE, PEACE COMMISSIONERS WERE THERE, GENERAL OULD AND CAPTAIN HATCH OF THE CONFEDERATE ARMY. OULD IS A GRIZZLET FELLOW AND LOOKED LIKE THE DEVIL, HATCH WAS AS TRIM AS ANY OF OUR OFFICERS. I SEE Secesh passing by me all the day as they marched to prison at Camp Hamilton where 3000 colored troops are and ARE THE SPECIAL PETS OF THE GENERAL [BUTLER]. The General takes all visitors to see them, mentions a white unit formed from Confederate prisoners. A great letter describing Grant at Fortress Monroe just before the great offensive towards Richmond. Very fine.......................................................$200.00

51315 - EXCITING NEWS CONCERNING BUTLER'S ADVANCE TO THE JAMES RIVER AND NEAR PETERSBURG, BERMUDA HUNDRED ON THE WAY TO RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG, Fortress Monroe, VA, May 10th, 1864. 12 large pages in ink by Lt. Selwyn E. Bickford, Chief Clerk at Fortress Monroe to his friend Anderson...Bickford, who was a ladies man, mentions a lady friend who is still a maiden, he describes matrimony as uncomfortable in the Summer months if one has proper regard to its duties, mentions a friend who had just returned from Little Washington, NC driven away by the evacuation of the town and its burning, states that the 17th Mass. burned the town needlessly, his friend mentions the "graybacks" in the vicinity in North Carolina, he has gone and visited a lady friend from Lowell in Portsmouth and was entertained with mince pie and cider, met a Quaker lady there who taught in the colored schools, ladies he states are scarce near here. THE COLORED TROOPS HAVE DEPARTED AS WELL AS BUTLER AND 30,000 TROOPS THAT THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY TO RICHMOND VIA THE JAMES RIVER. GENERAL W.F. SMITH HAS LANDED ON THE JAMES WITH HIS TROOPS; THE WHOLE PROCESS OF MOVING TOWARDS RICHMOND HAS BEEN IN EFFECT FOR WEEKS. HUGE SUPPLY STORES ARE BEING MOVED ARE EVERY KIND OF BOAT. CAMP HAMILTON HAS BEEN MADE THE DEPOT FOR THE COLORED TROOPS; ALL THE TROOPS AT YOURKTOWN HAVE BEEN LOADED ON TRANSPORTS TO ARRIVE AT THE JAMES. THE GENERAL AND HIS STAFF HAVE LEFT FOR THE FIELD AND FEELS THE MOVEMENT TOWARDS PETERSBURG IS A COMPLETE SURPRISE TO THE REBELS. REPORTS ARE THAT WE TOOK AN EVACUATED PETERSBURG BUT WERE DRIVEN OUT. THERE HAS BEEN SOME FIGHTING BUT WE HAVE NOT SEEN ANY SICK OR WOUNDED BUT THE HOSPITALS ARE READY HERE, WE HEAR CANNONADING IN THE DISTANCE, ALL THE 10TH CORPS FROM CHARLESTON ARE WITH BUTLER. THE 40TH MASS. FAMOUS FOR THEIR ACTIONS AT OLUSTEE [FL] ARE THERE AS WELL AS THE 4TH MASS. CAVALRY. IF IT IS IN THE POWER OF MAN GENERAL BUTLER WILL ENTER RICHMOND AND IF HE DOES THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT HIS CHANCES FOR THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT, THE GENERAL HAS EVERYTHING AT STAKE IN THIS MOVE. LET RICHMOND BE TAKEN AND WITHIN TWO WEEKS IT WILL BE OUR BURDEN WITH GOODS FOR SALE THAT ARE WAITING TO SHIP FROM BALTIMORE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. HE SATES THAT JEWS ABOUND IN THESE ADVOCATIONS AND  WORM THEMSELVES IN WHEN YANKEE SHREWDNESS FAILS. IF WE ARE DEFEATED BEFORE RICHMOND GOLD WILL RISE TO $200 AND MORE AND SO WILL THE PRICE OF COMMODITIES. Butler's expedition was an overall failure and he was "bottled up" at Bermuda Hundred, unable to move. Although he was able to distract Confederate forces for a brief time, their victories at Proctor's Creek and Ware Bottom Church enabled Beauregard to detach strong reinforcements for Lee's army in time for the fighting at Cold Harbor. A great long letter from a Butler fan before the news returned to Fortress Monroe about Butler failed actions east of Richmond during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign of May 1864........................................$295.00

5140 - THE REBELS ARE DESERTING BY THE HUNDREDS, Bermuda Hundred, VA, July 4th, 1864. 3 pages in ink to his sister by John Hafter, Company B, 39th Illinois. He relates that he has a touch of lung fever caused by laying on the ground, they are talking about opening up on the Rebels this afternoon as there has been no fighting here at present, he concludes the letter as he is feeling bad. He continues on July 7th that he has been ill and had been sent to the convalescent hospital and the Doctor says he has "lung fever", he asks for excuse with his handwriting as he must lay on one side to write, the good news is that they are fighting at Petersburg but we have seen nothing of GRANT. The Rebels are deserting by the hundreds as I have seen a good man pass here today. Well written in ink...............................$85.00

5141 - THE 1ST WISCONSIN CAVALRY IN MISSOURI, Patterson, MO, November 23rd, 1862. 6 pages in pencil on an attractive patriotic stationary of a soldier's farewell. Perry C. Goodrich writes to his wife, in part, the 2nd Battalion, 13th Illinois Cavalry has come in from Pilot Knob. I was ordered to pick 12 men and go on patrol to Greenville and had to saddle up immediately. The rain was pouring down and I went to headquarters to get my instructions. We started in extreme darkness on a narrow road riding abreast of one another and it was so dark we almost could not see each other. We had to ford the St. Francis at a point when the other side bank was high and perpendicular except where a road had been cut into the bank. The road was very difficult but very important to pass. We arrived safely in Greenville with only a minor accident as my horse slipped on a steep bank and rolled over on me twisting and bending my saber in an "ampersand" but doing no lasting hurt to me. We found no lights of enemy campfires and took over a house for shelter for the night. The rain poured down heavy all night. Fearing a rise in the St. Francis we started back at daylight. The river was rising fast but we forded it with little trouble, another hour a horse would have to swim to get across. Yesterday we received marching orders at 11 and only marched 1 1/2 miles before entering a field and setting up camp. We were instructed that we being only necessary items such as clothes and hard bread...when will this wicked war end and we be reunited with our loved ones? A scarce unit. An interesting report from the backwoods of Missouri..................................................$165.00

51316 - HE VISITS THE CSS FLORIDA AT HARBOR, OLD ABE IS REELECTED, LOSSES IN THE TOBACCO-WHISKEY MARKET, A RARE UNITED STATES COLORED TROOP LETTER SHEET, Fortress Monroe, VA, November 20th, 1864 on OFFICE ASST QTM. & SUPERVISOR NEGRO AFFAIRS FIRST DISTRICT DEPARTMENT VA AND NORTH CAROLINA. 6 page letter in ink by Lt. Selwyn E. Bickford, Chief Clerk at Fortress Monroe, VA. Bickford who has been speculating in whiskey and tobacco while at the Fort discusses with his friend Anderson the recent fall in prices of these items on the market. He has been quite ill and thinks the use of quinine has driven him mad. He has sold tobacco and whiskey at a loss, mentions that they will have "Old Abe" for four more years. There was no election in eastern Virginia and the guns in the harbor fired a salute at the results as they all opened up at once and the cannonading was brisk for awhile. The squadron has been in the Roads for awhile and he has had the opportunity to see some of the finest ships in the fleet. The WACHUSETT and the FLORIDA are both there but no one is allowed on the FLORIDA. I went as close as I could look upon her deck. She is not neat, attractive, nor trim and quite small, mentions a sighting of Commodore Porter. Quite a long and newsy letter describing the ex Rebel raider FLORIDA late under the command of Captain James Maffitt. After a period of speculation, Bickford's fortunes apparently have changed for the worse....................................................$155.00

4243 - SURGEON WILLIAM M. KING APPLIES FOR A POSITION IN THE US NAVY, 10 pages of manuscript, 8" X 14", May 12th, 1862. His letter of application for the position of Surgeon in the US Navy as he outlines his career in the Navy since 1858 when he was an assistant surgeon. His duties as an Asst. Surgeon had brought him aboard the "Cumberland". Kin during his Naval career on the Cumberland, Saratoga, USS Hartford (Farragut's flagship) when it passed Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and Mobile Bay. The remainder of the portfolio of 10 pages consists of a thesis on the treatment of gunshot wounds from extraction to amputation of damaged limbs and a nine part question and answer section on medical questions such as "describe the different types of tumors, describe the different types of stones in the bladder", as well as seven other general questions addressing other medical practices. Asst. Surgeon King answers all seven questions in detail. Condition of the portfolio is excellent with the pages never been folded. A wonderful manuscript by King being his application for the position of Surgeon in the US Navy..............................................................$295.00 SOLD

4244 - DR. DAVID KINDLEBERGER APPLIES FOR THE POSITION OF SURGEON IN THE US NAVY, 10 pages of manuscript, June 3rd, 1862 by Dr. (Asst. Surgeon Kindleberger) letter detailing his service as an Asst. Surgeon on the USS San Jacinto off the African coast (1859-60) where as Asst. Surgeon there were no deaths from Remittent Fever (Malaria). (They were on anti-slave duty off the mouth of the Congo River). One death they had was a free Negro from Plevritis. He continues to give a medical report on the African voyage listing illnesses such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and remittent fever. He describes his time after the African voyage being part of Porter's mortar fleet at Ship Island in March 1862 and took part during the bombardment of Fort Jackson and St. Philip aboard the Miami delivering shot and shell to the fleet. Then he was ordered back north. He describes the illness on the ship during that expedition as mainly diarrhea caused by drinking river water. Kindleberger writes an essay on the symptoms and treatment of remittent fever as seen during his voyage to the West coast of Africa. He continues the application with answering nine questions regarding medical issues including diseases of the bones and the setting of bone fractures, questions regarding the bladder, etc. Kindleberger served on the San Jacinto, Portsmouth, Miami, Monongahela, and Itasca. He was present when the TRENT was captured and at Port Hudson and Galveston. See Porter pg. 280, 597, 789 for comments about Kindleberger. 10 pages near mint condition.............................................$295.00

4245 - A HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADUATE APPLIES FOR THE POSITION OF ASST. SURGEON IN THE US NAVY, 7 pages of manuscript, Dr. Samuel Gilbert Webber. His letter attesting to his physical ability to serve in the Navy. A letter dated March 22nd, 1862 from the Naval Asylum in Philadelphia listing his qualifications and education detailing his education at Harvard and his training at the Mass. General Hospital since his graduation. The application includes 9 questions that Webber answers including a discussion of scarlet fever and typhoid, a discussion of the chemical properties of potassium. Webber attained the position of Asst. Surgeon and was assigned to the USS Nahant on May 22nd, 1862. 7 pages of beautiful manuscript..............................$200.00

4246 - A YOUNG DOCTOR APPLIES FOR A POSITION AS ASST. SURGEON IN THE US NAVY, 6 pages of manuscript, Dr. S. Francis Shaw applies for the position of Asst. Surgeon in the Navy, includes his letter affirming his physical and mental health to serve in the Navy. His letter of application dated August 16th, 1862 at Philadelphia outlining his education and training prior to his graduation as a medical doctor by the College of Physicians and Surgeons and he was admitted to the Staff of Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Shaw then proceeds to answer 9 medical questions including a description of tetanus, a description of the shoulder joint, hernia surgery procedures, etc. Shaw later served on the Pawnee and the Savannah later in 1862. 6 pages of manuscript, mostly 8" X 13", choice condition.................................$200.00

4230 - THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS, 3rd Division Hospital, 2nd Corps, May 16th, 1864. Three pages in ink to his sweetheart by Sergt. Joseph Goss, Company A, 110th PA. Infantry. "I seat myself to drop you a few lines to let you know I am alive yet. We got to fighting on the 5th of May and I went through it all until the evening of the 10th. When our Division had to charge the Rebel Works, I got shot in the right knee and the ball is still in and I can't walk without crutches. The Doctor has probed for the ball three times and he told me I will a stiff knee, but I don't think I will, but I tell you my friend, I am glad I got off with my life as when we got to the worked they fired and I thought the day of judgment had come. G.M. Clossen had his thumb shot off at the same time. George W. Buck was wounded on the 5th, the first days fight and since the 10th I do not know who was wounded or killed. Al Andrews was killed on the 5th. I never saw such fighting it was a wilderness all the time. We had to crawl on our hands and knees to fight in the brush and all the time in the Woods and swamps. Adam Gross was well when I was taken to the hospital. I was put in an ambulance on the 11th and we rode 125 miles until we got to the steamboat at Belle Plain as it took to the 13th at noon to get there and it took to 12 o'clock that night to get here and our wounds had not been dressed all that time. We are well cared for here, well I am getting tired and will have to close for the present, I expect there is a letter from you at the Regiment, direct letters to Sergt. Joseph R. Goss, 3rd Division Hospital, Alexandria Ward #3." An excellent letter form a Penn. soldier wounded at the Wilderness. Excellent content.......................$295.00 SOLD

4231 - THE BATTLE OF MURFREESBORO OR STONES RIVER, 4 page letter in pencil by Pvt. Thomas Walker, Company B, 15th Regiment, Ohio Infantry, January 8th, 1863. Camp at Murfreesboro to his Mother and sister. He relates, "I now have time to write you a few lines to let you know I was not killed in this battle which we fought for two days. It was a great deal harder than Shilo (Shiloh). It was raining all the time we were fighting, the first day we fought about six hours and then we lay until morning. They took our brigade out on picket that night and we had to get up about 8 am in the morning. Our picket was not far out about daylight and we hear a lot of cheering and in about a minute the minnie came about us like hail. We were just getting breakfast, they took our battery all but two pieces, they took our General and we scattered like sheep but after we got rallied together we mowed them like a scythe in grass but it happened I got lost from the regiment and made my way to the pike road but I was not there long when the Rebel cavalry came up and took about 300 of us and about 400 wagons. The Rebels made me get into a wagon and turn around and follow them. We did not get gar when our cavalry came up and retook all of us and about 50 of them. At first I started to run and they fired about 3 shots at me but they did not happen to hit me. The next day I found my regiment. We had 68 men before the fight and we came out with only 6 men. Our Captain cried when he could muster only six men. There were two killed, 26 wounded, and many taken prisoner. We were nearly starved when they gave us three ears of corn, that was all we had to eat with horse flesh but I could not go that, but I have seen a whole regiment eat it. The last day of the fight we had 100 cannons going at once. It just sounded like the heavens was opening besides all the musketry that was firing. I was looking for my brain to be blown out at any moment but it happened that God kept them off but we swept them out at last. The prisoners said they thought the Yankees could not fight but I think they have found out that we could fight. That is the tale of the fight. From Thomas Walker to my Mother, direct your letters to Murfreesboro in care of Captain Brown of the 15th Regiment. Give my love to the rest of my friends." A great letter, although in pencil only a few weak spots, great content on the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee.........................................$325.00 SOLD

4232 - ACTION BEFORE CHATTANOOGA BEFORE THE BATTLE OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, November 15th, 1863, Camp at Chattanooga. Letter to his Father from Pvt. Thomas Walker, 15th Ohio Infantry. Four pages in bold pencil. He relates, "expresses surprise at getting a letter from his Father, mentions at present little actual fighting now and then, we get to shell the Rebels and the Rebels get to shell our camp off Lookout Mountain which is a huge mountain two miles from our camp, tells his Father no not be afraid of him re-enlisted as three years is enough for him. There was heavy cannonading up the river this morning, our men were trying to throw up a pontoon bridge about five miles up and the Rebels open up with five pieces of artillery but our men fetched the same amount of cannon and drove them away, that shows they won't stand fire. We have whipped them every place we have met and only here they gave us a smart flogging but we held on to Chattanooga and now we are heavily fortified with heavy guns. The Rebel camp is in sight of our men and we shell them without much damage and they shell us without any damage as they retaliate back on Lookout Mountain, mentions his box being in a wagon after Murfreesboro." Written just before the Union advance at the Battle of Lookout Mountain...............................$250.00

4233 - THE BATTLE OF MISSIONARY RIDGE, November 27th, 1863, Camp at Chattanooga, TN. 2+ pages in ink with stamped cover by Thomas Walker, 15th Ohio Infantry to his Father. He relates, "I sit down and write you a few lines about the battle (Missionary Ridge November 25th, 1863). Our men drove them like sheep and captured about 50 pieces of artillery and a host of prisoners and we have got the Rebel army on the trots. There were two killed in the company, one was shot through the side and the other was shot through the heart with a cannonball. He did not know what hit him! Our men got in the rear of them and I think we shall fetch them under as they can't get away. I have seen with my own eyes five regiments captured, heavy cannonading going on today and Lookout Mountain is in our possession. Old Hooker drove them away from it. I was not in the fight as the doctor told me to stay in quarters but I could see all the fighting. Needs postage stamps, they take only greenbacks here. Direct your letters to Camp at Chattanooga, Company B, 15th OVI." Excellent content...............$295.00 SOLD

2100 - 10TH MISSOURI AT VICKSBURG AFTER THE CAPTURE, July 22nd, 1863. 8" X 10" manuscript order for Captain Joel Strong (10th Missouri) order to assemble a guard as his orders as Brigade Office of the Day. Just several weeks after the surrender of the City. Strong had been previously wounded at Champion Hill. Mint condition...........................$55.00

2102 - SOLDIER'S COVER FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO SHIP ISLAND TO A COLORED TROOP OFFICER, Postal cover from Attleboro, MA sent to Captain Levi I. Hawes, 74th Mass at Ship Island off the Mississippi coast in July [1864]. 3 cent stamp grid cancelled................................$45.00

2103 - A SOLDIER'S VIEW OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA IN 1861-2, SOLDIER'S ART, 7" X 18" pencil drawing of the Batteries and forts near Pensacola in 1861, notations show the batteries, Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, the lighthouse, the navy yard, and Colonel Wilson's camp. The artist's name is Charles F. Allowan as noted in the lower left corner. There is some breaking at the fold area which does not cause any significant loss in the view. A view from the sea during the blockade late 1861-early 1862. In pencil and done well to scale, scarce...........................................$350.00

2020 -THE DEATH OF ELLSWORTH, May 27th, 1861, Fortress Monroe, VA. Headquarters. Letter in ink, 2 large pages to his sister in Quincy, MA, by Samuel Nightingale, 39th Mass, Vol., hand carried cover. He relates..."The 4th regiment has orders to leave today some place I did not know where. It is thought they will go up the James River about 12 miles towards Norfolk for the purpose of erecting a land battery. All did not go as not all had new muskets. We will go in a few days when we have new muskets. The 4th Regiment has gone and detachment of artillery and a New York regiment. Probably you have heard of the death of Ellsworth of the Ellsworth Zouaves shot in Alexandria while he was pulling down a secession flag. We heard the news from a man in Washington. His company, upon seeing Ellsworth shot, shot the man and ran him through with their bayonets and he was dead before Ellsworth was. The gentleman from Washington said that they had set the city afire in 15 places." Much more on the camp, the person who is carrying th eletter home has been discharged due to illness. Letter comes with a hand-carried cover and Carte de Viste of Samuel Nightingale (39th Mass), G.H. Loomis bm, ink ided on verso, three items.............................................$395.00

2021 - A SOLDIER SHOT WHILE SITTING ON HIS COFFIN, October 5th, 1863, Camp near the Rapidan, VA. Four pages in ink to his sister in Quincy, MA, by a soldier who signs as "Samuel". (Cpl. Samuel Nightingale, 39th Mass.) He relates...We are now near the Rapidan River just on the other side are the Rebels. Our pickets and theirs talk with one another, we have gone as far as we can go unless we cross and I do not think it is the intention to cross at present. The Rebs are pretty strongly fortified and command a good position. Last Friday, I witnessed an execution of a deserter belonging to the 90th PA, Rgt. That day it rained or rather poured down in torrents. We got drenched through and through. Our division was formed into a square and the prisoner was conveyed in an ambulance, the band playing a dead march. He was taken out of the ambulance with his coffin. The priest said a few words to him which I could not hear. He was placed on his coffin blindfolded and when the word FIRE was given 12 muskets was discharged at him and his soul was launched into eternity. It was the first thing of this kind I have ever witnessed and I hope it will be the last. More on his needs for warm clothing for the upcoming winter. A rare account of the death of a deserter by firing...............................$395.00

2023 - THE BATTLE OF NEWBERN, NORTH CAROLINA, May 4th, 1862, One letter from Cpl. Alonzo Nightingale, 24th Mass. Company G, to his cousin Samuel Nightingale, Newbern, NC. Three large pages in bold pencil, he relates..."I tell you Sam the 24th is the crack regiment as nothing goes ahead of it. General Foster, formally in command of the Brigade said their was not a whole division so well drilled and disciplined as ours and you will see by his officer's report that he gives the 24th Regt. great praise for bravery and coolness in the Battle at Newbern. General Burnside in his official report said every regiment was worthy of praise but those who were under such heavy fire as the 24th Mass, Vol., 19th Connecticut, 51st NYV, 9th NY deserve credit for their bravery and coolness under trrific fire of musketry and artillery and the 24th for the coolness in which they advanced inch by inch under raking fire of heavy artillery and a deadly fire of musketry until the final charge was made and then the Rebels left terrible quick. Since the battle our Colonel has been promoted to Brigadier General and commands the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Division, the 19th, 27th and 24th MV form the Brigade. I expect on the next advance we will be led off by our brigade. We are expecting an attack any day now, our regiment has advanced six miles and we camp in the woods. We staid there about three weeks and were ordered back to the City again. We have 40 rounds of cartridges and they are to give us 20 rounds more and then we are ready to meet the Rebels again...more on the strength of the unit, news of the capture of New Orleans, the boys are cheering and the band is playing. We are waiting news from Yorktown that it is taken and the Rebels are driven from Corinth...you may soon hear that the war will be at a close...". A well written letter describing the heroic actions of the 24th Mass. at the Battle of Newbern. Comes with a DUE 3 cover, with SOLDIER'S LETTER 24th Mass stamp which is scarce in itself, 2 items..................................$395.00

2024 - 3RD WISCONSIN CAVALRY, 22" X 26", pre-printed and filled-in listing of clothing given to the NCO's, Artificers, Musicians, and Privates of Company K, 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry by Captain Benjamin Fullagan. Over 40 soldiers listed with their signatures, dated 1865. The 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry served in Missouri and Arkansas during the war, fought Indians, marauders, and Confederates on the frontier. Very fine............................$75.00

2025 - NAVAL LETTER AND SAILOR'S WALLET, Letter written by William H. Allen from the U.S.S. Tritonia at Mobile on October 26th, 1865. Four pages in ink from Allen who was 3rd Asst. Engineer (1864) to his mother discussing two model boats he had completed but had broke the model of the gunboat...he describes the "Bark" he completed and was sending it home with a Navy revolver. He instructs his Mother how to finish off the rigging with a sharp scissors and to inquire as to having carriage painter paint the boat. He gives specific instructions as to the painted required as well as emblems to be added. The Tritonia had been in the West Gulf Blocking fleet and was guarding the rivers and outlets for marauders who were along the coast just after the war ended. The letter comes with Allen's large fold over leather wallet with an old note "This wallet belonged to William H. Allen at the time he was in the Civil War on Farragut's Flagship." Allen had served on the Hartford during the Mobile campaign. Interesting letter and accompanying wallet. 2 items.............................$295.00

 2026 - PRIVATE LEWIS PRALL, 30TH PA VOL., FOUGHT AT ANTIETAM AND GETTYSBURG, Three letters included are (1) Camp Near Sharpsburg, October 23rd, 1862. 4 pages in pencil, with stamped cover CDS Hagerstown, MD. to his mother. He relates...send letters to Hagerstown, he has drawn new clothing and is trying for a furlough which is hard to now get, has applied for one to go to Georgetown for three days, all requests have to go to the War Dept. in Washington, awaiting a reply but they may refuse to sign it. A Camp letter written just after he fought at Antietam, (2) Camp Near Union Mills, VA, March 16th, 1863. 4 pages in ink to his sister by Lewis Prall. He relates...it is difficult to seep in the sold nights, has a large fireplace, must sleep with six warm blankets, they get plenty to eat, sugar, beef, fresh bread baked twice a week. The general has called us up expecting General Stuart to make a cavalry raid around here, we are used to hearing about General Stuart and if he comes we will show him how the brave boys from old PA fight...here are two rings made of laurel wood, one for you and one for mother. Stamped postal cover Alexandria, VA, 2 items. (3) Camp at Fairfax Station, VA, April 1st, 1864. 4 pages in pencil to his mother. He relates...went to Alexandria to the Express Office and brought back 21 boxes one being mine, my box was not spilled, everything fine, but 2-3 pies were a little bit moldy, will  never forget the thoughtfulness of home. Thank Mr. Greest for the tobacco and segars, gave a Captain and an orderly some of the goodies, there are four in our tent, left Union Mills on the 14th of last month and went to Centerville, stayed there about to days and came back to Fairfax Court House and found our brigade the next day, we were ordered to pack and marched in the rain to Fairfax Station...may go to Alexandria, do not expect any trouble from the Rebels as there are none near here, mentions Ben Palmer of the 166th who went in as a substitute for $400, stamped cover with Alexandria, VA PM, the three letters and three covers....................$295.00

THE SEVEN DAYS BATTLES

2027 - THE CANNONADING WAS TERRIBLE, SHELLS RIDDLED OUR TENTS - THE SEVEN DAYS BATTLES LETTER BY CORPORAL SHERMAN WILLIAMS, 49TH NYV, Camp near Harrison's Point, James River, VA, July 5th, 1862. Seven miles below City Point. Three large 8" X 10" pages in ink, with stamped cover, OLD POINT CONFORT, VA. Corporal Sherman Williams relates to his sister..."since I had written before important changes have been made to the strength, position, and condition of McClellan's army. The strength is diminished due to the losses in killed, wounded, and missing. The position is changed from the Chickahomany four to seven miles from Richmond to the James River, 27 miles from Richmond. The condition changed from ease with a little skirmishing to hardships with hard fighting. Thursday the 26th of June, the fighting commenced on our right at Mechanicsville and Friday, the Rebels commenced to shell our division most furiously. General Smith immediately brought 50-60 pieces of artillery to them. The cannonading was terrible - shells riddled our tents and trees around us but only a few were killed or wounded that day. Saturday, they attacked us with infantry but were repelled, only two in our brigade were killed that day. I was where I could see 30-40 Rebels killed or wounded at every discharge of Captain Mott's Napoleon guns loaded with Shrapnel, some 15-20 deserters came over that day. Sunday, our Division commenced falling back after going two miles Brook's Brigade had a fight with the enemy to check them and give time for the advance to get out the way. Sunday evening, another battle was fought at Savage Station by Sumner, Heintzelman, and part of Smith's Division (Brook's Brigade). During the night, we marched towards the James, Monday our division being in the rear we were again shelled by the Rebs and formed the line of battle and held them in check during the day. The fighting was mostly done by the artillery. Three men were killed in the brigade and 70 in the artillery. At dark, we commenced marching and marched all night. Monday, we were again in the line of battle all day and most of the night but did not see the enemy. Tuesday, we had the hardest march we ever had-rained the whole time and marched in mud knee deep. Since then we have been fortifying our position below City Point. Our division suffered as little considering the important position we held as any in the Army. Undoubtedly McClellan lost 15,000 men killed, wounded, and mussing in the six days fighting, our troops destroyed immense quantities of rebel supplies. Reinforcements are constantly coming up the river. General Shield's Division and more of Pope's troops are coming. We are not much nearer taking Richmond than we were a month ago but our base of  operations on the James backed by Grant is decidedly better than the one previously occupied. Our brigade is camped in the middle of a field but nothing to shade us but our thin Aubry tents." An excellent account of the Seven Days Battles near Richmond..............................$549.00 SOLD

1305 - MISSOURI OATH OF ALLEGIANCE, 8" X 10", Nodaway County, Missouri. Pre-printed and filled-in Oath of Allegiance dated December 9th, 1865 for Valentin Karll attesting to his allegiance to the State of Missouri and the United States for a basis of acceptance as a 2nd Lt. in the Missouri Militia. Three revenue stamps applied to this oath, an officer in the Missouri Militia. The Missouri Militia was active from 1862 through the end of the war fighting Confederates and served also after the war in a police capacity. Very fine..............................$145.00

1306 - MISSOURI MILITIA 1862, 6" X 8", Headquarters First Division, E.M.M, St. Louis, MO, September 11th, 1862. Printed and filled-in exemption for Charles Fruielie who was exempted from service in the Missouri Militia due to the fact that he was a British subject. The Missouri Militia served and important function defending the state from 1862-65 from Confederate raids. Very fine......................................$115.00 SOLD

1308 - RARE UNION "BROWN WATER" NAVAL ENLISTMENT, 8" X 10", August 30th, 1864. Pre-printed and filled-in enlistment for John H. Rose on the US Steamer BURNSIDE at Bridgeport, AL who had presented John M. Sherfrey as his substitute who had originate from Iowa. The descriptive list for Rose states he was a native of Alabama, dated at Nashville, TN on the verso of the document. Signed by Lt. Comm. H.A. Glassey, Naval forces in Upper Tennessee River. Very fine Naval document from the interior waters. Navy are rare and seldom seen.............................$145.00

70201 - SUPERB HOSPITAL LETTER AMPUTATION IN HIS WARD, US General Hospital, Hampton, VA. 4 page letter in ink by James B. Sherman to his wife. He relates...June 20th, 1864 - there is a great deal of rush of wounded coming in from Petersburg, the left wing of Grant's Army are down there and they are smashing things, him and Butler are after them with their 16 shooters. There was an amputation performed in our ward. THEY TOOK HIM OUT TO A TENT, BUT I DID NOT SEE IT BUT WHEN I WAS OUT I HEARD THEM SAW THE BONE OFF. His name was Sortell. He is a brother-in-law to Hen Sawyer. He belongs to the 25th Mass. And he seems to be quite a man too. I saw Ken Bullis the other day as he came down on a hospital boat with a load of wounded, was nurse and he wrote a line up to me as I went down and saw him. I fell in with a stretcher crew...a boatload is leaving here today and I came close to leaving and going North. WE HAVE A FEW BAD CASES HERE, ONE SHOT THROUGH THE LUNG AND ONE WOUNDED IN THE HEAD THAT IS PERFECTLY CRAZY...THEY CAN'T FIND OUT WHAT REGIMENT HE BELONGS TO...Our regiment is badly shattered to pieces-I heard today they did not muster a 100 men fit for duty. There is a great number scattered around sick-probably some of them playing off. 

Checking data records for a James B. Sherman, two are found, but both were discharged before this letter date. He is probably just listed as James Sherman which there are many. Cross-checking several names in this letter with the database, there is a possibility that this is James W. Sherman of the 118th NY. Quite possibly his middle initial was written in error in the NY records as several friends he mentions have ties to the 118th NY which was nearly destroyed before Petersburg.

A wonderful hospital letter and well written in ink, no cover..................................$295.00

675 - IN VIRGINIA, MAKING CAMP, DARKEYS TOOK OVER PLANTATIONS, CONTRABANDS ABOUND HERE, Old Virginey Shore, Camp Hamilton, VA. September 3rd, 1861. 2 large pages in bold pencil to his Mother...we are about 100 miles from Baltimore as orders came for us to leave and the 17th Mass, took over our camp there, we left Baltimore marching with knapsacks on and bayonets fixed to the sounds of band playing "Glory Hallelujah" and embarked on the steamboat LOUISIANA... about 40 miles away the steam chest (boiler) blew and then were towed by the steamboat ALELAIDE which had just delivered some of Ben Butler's prisoners...we arrived here and are camped with the 20th NY (Germans) as our tents have not arrived yet - our rations were bread and raw pork as there was not time to cook - we passed between Fortress Monroe and the Secesh batteries about four miles - the folks in the fort sometimes throw a sheet their way, but they cannot shoot back due to distance...there is great destruction in the area, all the houses near us are in ruins occupied by Darkeys, local plantations are overgrown and chattels (slaves) occupy them, contrabands abound, Newport News is in sight about 7-8 miles away, one soldier shot another through the lung as it is said he is insane, a well written letter giving details of the transfer to Fortress Monroe and the condition and occupants of the local countryside.............................$145.00 SOLD

676 - OUR PICKETS CONSTANTLY COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY, FLAGS OF TRUCE BOATS COMING IN FROM NORFOLK, Camp Hamilton, VA, September 6th, 1861. Two large pages in bold pencil to his Mother from Asa Smith, 16th Mass. He relates...Three regiments are camped in a line 1/4 mile from Fortress Monroe, Butler has not returned yet, but Wool is on the alert, he constantly rides with his aide and nothing escapes him, our pickets are constantly coming in contact with the enemy - last night about 20 shots were fired by our men, Flags of Truce come into the fort from Norfolk, but the general has little to do with them, retained three of them during Butler's Expedition - Asa had included with his letter a piece of ex-President's John Tyler piano (not included) as he retrieved it from Tyler's house that was occupied by Contrabands who appeared to be enjoying life there - he wrote his name on the wall of the house as he left. Very detailed with much more details by Smith...............................................$145.00 SOLD

678 - FIRING FROM THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES, Camp Hamilton, VA, September 12th, 1861. 3 page letter to his sister Ann in bold pencil by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. Vol. He relates...Last night we slept with rifles beneath us in full clothes, our wagons re-packed and meat cooked, we are ready to move at a moment's notice, I have just seen two white women since I have been in this place, we hear a large amount of heavy firing from the Confederate batteries as they are probably trying to range their cannons, signal rockets can be seen in the air at night while I am writing this the sound of heavy guns can be heard and the smoke seen from Pigs Point. A very newsy letter by Smith as the rebels have fortified Pigs Point with artillery in the vicinity of Fortress Monroe, also a stamped postal cover OLD POINT COMFORT CDS, 2 items..............................................$145.00 SOLD

679 - WE ARE TO MARCH TO NEWPORT NEWS AS THE ENEMY MAY ATTACK, Camp Hamilton, VA, September 15th, 1861. 3 page letter in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith of the 16th Mass. He relates...We are now called for a march, the drums are beating to arms and we are told that the enemy will attack Newport News and we are to march in relief, he received 40 rounds and a days rations...some soldiers who were to be left to guard the camp were offering to pay substitutes so they could join the march, but it was a false alarm and they did not attack as thought...Col. Max Weber of the 20th NY (German Regiment) returned from Cape Hatteras and his description of the country was not pleasing, the Confederate batteries are still firing. Smith again shows his anxiousness for the fight and shows disappointment in the false alarm.............................................$145.00 SOLD

680 - DOROTHEA DIX COMPLAINS ABOUT THE HOSPITAL AT FORTRESS MONROE, Camp Hamilton, VA, September 19th, 1861. Three pages in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. He relates...Miss Dix has just been here (Fortress Monroe) and was displeased with the hospital department, the regiments were reviewed by General Wool, great preparations have been made at the Fortress for another expedition, the New York papers state that the "Fire Zouaves" are coming here, he laments about the uselessness of their Chaplain as they have heard him preach few times, his stationary got wet in a storm and a 3 cent stamp was stuck in the middle of page two of the letter and he wrote around it, mentions a fallen soldier leaving camp on an ambulance. Dorothea Dix was in charge of the Union nurses during the Civil War and her nurses cared for both Union and Confederate soldiers. This is an interesting reference to her inspecting the hospital at Fortress Monroe and was displeased at what she saw...........................................$165.00 SOLD

682 - REBELS WOUND A SENTRY OF THE GERMAN TROOPS, Camp Hamilton, VA, October 3rd, 1861. 4 pages in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. He relates...The Rebels shot a picket of the 20th NY (German Regiment) in the hip, he mentions that two Coast Guard men were accidently killed, one by drowning, they were buried Sunday...discusses his clothes, needs a package from home, he has had his first butter since leaving Philadelphia, "Tell Wallace I shall see him in Richmond", much more news from Asa as he elaborates on the above.......................................$115.00 SOLD

684 - CONFEDERATE CAVALRY ON THE MOVE ACROSS BLACK RIVER, TROOPS SENT IN PURSUIT, DESERTER GIVES MORE INFORMATION ON MORE REBS STAGING, Camp Hamilton, VA, November 8th, 1861. 4 large pages 8" X 10", in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith, 16th Mass Vol. He relates...Scouting parties of Germans were sent beyond Hampton and have sent word to General Mansfield that they had discovered a body of 300 Rebel Cavalry on the other side of Black River...a Rebel deserter came over to our lines and gave himself to the pickets and reported a party of 500 with one piece of artillery at the New Market Bridge...the General was afraid that the scouts would fall into them and took five companies of Germans and started out, some of the 16th were allowed to go for a prospect of a fight...they came to the bridge, but the enemy retreated towards Bethel and burned the bridge...it was deemed too risky to pursue them with no bridge to retreat to...the next day the soldiers were sent out again and came within a mile and a half of Little Bethel - we could hear the Rebel drums beating the retreat...Hampton is inhabited by hogs and buzzards, the fields in ruins, crops destroyed, we see a new Confederate camp at Craney Island and a Confederate "Rag" can be seen with the naked eye -- we hear a rumor that Charleston is taken...excellent letter with more details than above, comes with a stamped postal cover OLD POINT COMFORT CDS, 2 items.....................................$195.00 SOLD

685 - CONSTANT FIRING, SHOT A CONFEDERATE CAVALRY OFFICER AND TWO PRIVATES, PICKETS ATTACKED, SEVERAL KILLED AND WOUNDED, Camp Hamilton, VA, November 13th, 1861. 4 pages in bold pencil to his sister Anne by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. He relates...Company H went out and discovered Rebel pickets near Black River, on Monday four companies of Germans (20th NY) went towards Bethel and shot a Rebel Cavalry Officer and two Privates, that night shots were fired at our pickets...about 18-20 shots were heard from our pickets about 4 am also cannonading from the vicinity of Newport News, several heavy guns were in play and the muskets could be heard for and hour as our pickets were attacked, one was killed and two wounded in the attack, two rebel steamers lay off the mouth of the Elizabeth River and may have attacked our vessels, saw a Confederate Sergeant and six men in the woods, but could not capture them...the 20th NY has lost their knapsacks, blankets, and tents in a skirmish with the Rebels - we are learning to skirmish by the bugle call...nice action letter by Asa Smith, a stamped postal cover OLD POINT COMFORT, VA. CDS, two items..............................................................$195.00 SOLD

687 - TWO MEN CONDEMNED FOR SLEEPING AT THEIR POST, MORE REBELS ACROSS THE BLACK RIVER NEAR NEWPORT NEWS, Camp Hamilton, VA, December 8th, 1861. Four page letter in bold pencil to his sister from Asa Smith. He was on picket, they sent out a scouting party four miles to Black River and found the enemy's pickets posted on the other bank of the river and fired on them, but the shots fell short, we do know how many there are, but the inhabitants say they are "right smart with them". Describes a soldier on picket who was surprised by a Rebel soldier who got the drop on him and leveled his gun at him - he hollowed out and the Rebel fled without shooting him...the PA 46th and 76th (known as the Keystone Zouaves) left for Port Royal...two men were brought up on charges, one for claiming pay for a Negro servant and another for insulting and Officer - both to be cashiered, two others were condemned for sleeping on duty and will be shot...if owned by the Yankees this land would be a rich country, but now the principal production is hogs, coons, possums, niggers, and the meanest of all Sesech! A newsy letter giving great details of affairs in the field and in camp...............................................$175.00 SOLD

688 - WE ARE ORDERED TO BREAK UP THE REBEL CAMP ACROSS THE RIVER, REPORTS THAT THE DARKEYS HAVE BURNED NORFOLK, Camp Hamilton, VA, December 15th, 1861. 4 pages to his Mother in bold pencil by Asa Smith of the 16th Mass. He relates...we were ordered to get ready to march and break up the Rebel camp on the opposite side of the Black River, Companies H, B, C, D, E, K of the 16th and a company of Dragoons marched seven miles to the river and marked upstream of hours, the Dragoons could not cross the foot bridge, then marched to New Market bridge then up the Bethel Road within two miles of Little Bethel, we marched 25 miles and encountered no Rebels. A flag of truce from Norfolk reported that the Darkey's had burned down the city of Norfolk...another excellent letter by Asa Smith........................................$185.00 SOLD

689 - ON GUARD YESTERDAY AND MADE 30 ARRESTS, CONDEMNED MEN SENT TO THE RIP RAPS FOR CONFINEMENT, Camp Hamilton, December 19th, 1861. 4 page letter in bold pencil to his Mother from Asa Smith. He relates...while I was on guard I made 30 arrests, the two condemned men tried for sleeping on guard duty have been sent to the Rip Rap for confinement at present, mention British intervention in the war which is a possibility, the band is playing outside "Glory Hallelujah", they may be sent to the fort as regular troops, they captured a hog from the Delaware troops and brought it back to their camp after the hog was appropriated by the Delaware boys, the report that Company B fought in a big battle is a hoax, they cut down a 200 year old tree that was a Secesh landmark nearby. Comes with a stamped postal cover OLD POINT COMFORT CDS...newsy letter, 2 items...............$120.00 SOLD

690 - ASA DESCRIBES A MILITARY FUNERAL IN DETAIL, SHOTS FIRED AT THE PICKETS, Camp Hamilton, VA, December 22nd, 1861. 4 page in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. He relates...Am on picket, several shots were fired on Fox Hill Station, we scoured the river bank for miles and no Rebels, but we sent a message to the Rebels, there were two funerals in camp one for a member of the German regiment and another for a Cavalry Officer, the band of the 16th played at the funerals...describes the funeral of the Cavalry Officer his body being carried in an ambulance, his horse was behind the body saddled and bridled - the soldier's hat and saber hung on opposite sides of the saddle, his boots and spurs were in the stirrups, they expect to see Burnside's Expedition in a few days, over 150 soldiers are now here who were in Washington hospitals. Unusual content regarding the military procession of the dead cavalryman, well written with more details...............................$145.00 SOLD

692 - OUR PIONEERS ARE FIXING THE HAMPTON BRIDGE, OPENING THE WAY TO BIG BETHEL, Camp Hamilton, VA, January 1st, 1862. 4 pages in pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith of the 16th Mass. He relates...our pioneers (Engineers) are fixing the Hampton Bridge so artillery and cavalry can cross, it will have a "draw" to prevent enemy dashes - this looks like a trip to Big Bethel - his Major is a good fellow, but one he would not like to follow into battle, the Captain who had been cashiered for getting pay for his Negro servant has been reinstated by the President as it was ruled that his error was not intentional, describes the New Year's festivities that are going on in camp. Excellent and newsy letter, also a stamped postal cover OLD POINT COMFORT CDS........................................$145.00 SOLD

693 - REBELS HAVE EVACUATED BIG BETHEL, AS THEY HAVE FALLEN BACK TO YORKTOWN, Camp Hamilton, VA, January 4th, 1862. 4 page letter in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. He relates...he thanks his family for the box with the blanket, mittens, etc., it is rumored that the Rebels have evacuated Big Bethel and we will attack them as they have fallen back to Yorktown. Yesterday the Germans and the Coast Guard went beyond Big Bethel and found three deserted batteries, Magruder had asked to leave to burn Yorktown fearing an attack in front by Burnside who is expected any day...orders are given to prepare to move, everyone is anxious for a fight possibly at Hampton Bridge, the pickets have been extended to the Old Church and squads of cavalry kept there, the Sesech seem anxious to burn all of the country around here, there has been great fires in the direction of Yorktown, Bethel, Sewall's and Willoughby Points, concern over the involvement of the English, the Union Governor of North Carolina M. Nash Taylor was in camp. Excellent letter with great detail of the retreat of the Confederates, comes with a stamped postal cover OLD POINT COMFORT CDS.....................................$175.00 SOLD

694 - WE FOUND MOUNTED REB PICKETS, FOUND THE CAMP DESERTED WITH MEAT STILL FRYING, Camp Hamilton, VA, January 9th, 1862. 4 pages in pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith of the 16th Mass. He relates...We did not go to Big Bethel, but just on this side, found mounted pickets and drove them in, we found the place deserted, guns removed, they left so fast we found meat frying in the pans, we destroyed what we found and returned to camp, yesterday there was cannonading from the vicinity of Craney Island, a drum major has joined our band, "he is a horrid looking creature", tells his mother in great detail how a letter to a prisoner must be written and mailed or it will be tossed aside, all must be sent to Fortress Monroe unsealed with money in the envelope for postage to "Dixie". Much more from Asa Smith, comes with a stamped cover CDS of OLD POINT COMFORT, VA...................$150.00 SOLD

695 - TROOPS ON THE MOVE FROM THE FORT, PLANS TO ATTACK NORFOLK, Camp Hamilton, VA, January 13th, 1862. 4 bold pages in pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. Part of Burnside's Expedition has been here and gone, the 5th Mass is here, many troops are leaving on ships, some will land below Cape Henry and will be joined by others, there are 5-6 thousand still here as they will march on Norfolk from the rear at the same time a fleet will commence at Sewall's point and attempt to shell its way to the city. The Capture of Norfolk would be a hard blow to the Rebels and he feels the city will be in Union hands within 10 days, has got a cold on picket, many officer's wives at the fort now, heard a sermon by the Episcopal Chaplain. Comes with a stamped OLD POINT COMFORT CDS postal cover, excellent letter on his thoughts on the plans to attack Norfolk...............................$155.00 SOLD

697 - 2 REBEL SOLDIERS TAKEN PRISONER BY OUR PICKETS, Camp Hamilton, VA, January 18th, 1862. 3 page bold pencil letter to his Mother by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. He relates...The Constitution is still at the Fort, and we have heard nothing of Burnside's Expedition, yesterday the French man of War saluted the colors and the fort returned the salute, firing was brisk at 60 shots per minute and a strange thing happened - a shot exploded near Sewall's Point (Confederate battery)...our pickets came in with two Confederate prisoners who were captured on a visit to their homes - they were taken out of bed at night and their visit came to an abrupt end...tell sister many soldiers will be coming home with many scars and loss of limbs. Excellent letter by Asa Smith......................................$145.00 SOLD

698 - AN OFFICER IS SHOT MAKING HIS ROUNDS, THE GUARD WAS DRIVEN INTO HAMPTON BRIDGE, REBELS ON THE MOVE, Camp Hamilton, VA, January 23rd, 1862. 4 page letter in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith, 16th Mass. He relates...an officer was shot by the Rebs while making his rounds, the guard was driven back to Hampton Bridge, the Rebels have posted cavalry across from the Seminary, six men crossed in a boat and 10 followed going after them, we started in a drizzling rain for Harris Creek near Black River seven miles distant trying to catch Secesh soldiers as they came across to kill cattle and took over a school house for quarters, the women around here are strong Secesh, we were three-quarters there when a shot was fired, we could see the Rebel fires in the distance...Butler's troops are camped on a beach in front of the fort after being ordered ashore off ships by the Surgeon, there was sickness as 2,700 men had been on the ships 17 days, nothing from Burnside yet. Newsy letter on the movement of the Confederates across the river.............................$165.00 SOLD

699 - THE REBELS ARE WORKING ON A NEW BATTERY ON THE POINT BUT THE SAWYER GUN FRIGHTENS THEM AWAY, Camp Hamilton, January 26th, 1862. 3 pages in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith. He relates...the storm was so bad the pickets had to be drawn in , waves went over the sandbar and Butler's men had to move into the fort. In Hampton, some sentries have been posted on the old tombs, one was broken open exposing a coffin and two skulls - a dismal place to keep watch, do not know where Butler's men will move, but it will be soon, expect exciting reports from Burnside as Rebel reports put him in Pamlico Sound, hope he will do as well as General Thomas in Kentucky, he hopes to go home soon without wasting powder and ball on the Secesh...Butler is pitching to Governor Andrews to appoint Wyman a Colonel - the boys think if Butler knew his job as well as Wyman, he would do better, the Rebels are working on a new battery on the Point (Sewall's Point), but they are frightened by our Sawyer gun. An excellent letter by Asa Smith................................$160.00 SOLD

700 - A PARTY OF MEN FROM THE 3RD LOUISIANA CAME OVER YESTERDAY BY BOAT UNDER A FLAG OF TRUCE, REBS LANDING TROOPS AT CRANEY POINT, Camp Hamilton, VA, January 30th, 1862. 3 large pages in pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith of the 16th Mass. He relates...he has somehow lost $23 in gold -  he fears it was lost and not stolen, yesterday a party came in by boat under a flag of truce - officers and men of the 3rd Louisiana brought a packet to General Wool, he sent a Colonel with three companies of cavalry as an escort, Magruder must be another spree as he is again talking about taking the fort, but we feel there is little danger of that...a member of the Coast Guard shot and killed another man instantly...their Colonel Wyman is the best to leave old Mass. The Rebels have been landing troops at Craney Isle and Sewall's Point and building a new battery, their tents can be seen from our camp, the enemy was sending up signals last night and a gun was fired at 12 and 4 am, signed "Dead Broke". Another letter by Asa Smith.......................................$150.00 SOLD

702 - NEWS FROM THE FORT IS GOOD, Camp Hamilton, VA, February 9th, 1862. 2 pages in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith. He relates...Several companies of the 16th Mass, Companies B, F, & K were ordered to arms to reinforce the pickets, the Constitution has sailed again with Butler's men, the news from the Fort is good today, he is still trying to figure out what happened to his lost $23 in gold........................................$90.00 SOLD

703 - MEN CROSSED IN BOATS AND DROVE IN THE ENEMY'S PICKETS TO THEIR ENTRENCHMENTS AT SEWALL'S POINT, Camp Hamilton, VA, February 16th, 1862. 3 page letter in bold pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith. He relates...Wednesday night Capt. Howland and members of the 20th Mass and the 99th NY (formerly the Coast Guard) crossed in boats at Sewall's Point and drove the Rebel pickets back to their entrenchments and returned without a loss...I understand the officers have collected $200 for a sword to present to our Colonel (Wyman), mentions a large officers ball which included the French Naval Officers, has been reading accounts of Burnside's actions as well as action at Springfield and Fort Donelson and does not understand how the Secesh are not played out yet. Excellent letter by Asa Smith, also a stamped cover CDS of OLD POINT COMFORT, VA......................................$150.00 SOLD

704 - NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE SURRENDER OF NORFOLK, Camp Hamilton, VA, February 24th, 1862. 2 page letter in pencil to his Mother by Asa Smith. He relates...General Wool went to meet General Huger yesterday and the word is that the negotiations are underway for the evacuation of NORFOLK and we will be ordered there, a large gun went to the "News" yesterday (Newport News) to replace the Sawyer gun that was there, a large number of prisoners came up from Richmond last week, saw two men who had been taken at Balls Bluff, more came into the fort last night, Colonels Cogswell & Lee and Major Revere, but Colonel Corcoran was not with them, more troops are being sent to Newport News in fear of an attack by Magruder. Excellent letter by Asa Smith.....................................$150.00 SOLD

708 - 1ST NEW YORK ARTILLERY AT CAMP CALIFORNIA, Camp California, March 6th, 1862. Letter by Sgt. James A. Skinner, Battery B, 1st NY Artillery, 4 pages in ink. We are ordered last Thursday to pack up to be ready to march as the enemy had appeared in force at Accotink Creek where our forces are re-building a railroad bridge which the Rebels had destroyed with another battery and about six regiments of Infantry were to drive them back...we awaited with knapsacks on and horses harnessed and had to force many against their wills to guard the camp, but the Rebels had slid away, it was hard for the boys to return to camp without a fight. Well written....................................$125.00

709 - SCARCE 50TH NEW YORK ENGINEERS LETTER - MOVING THE TROOPS OVER THE POTOMAC RIVER, Berlin, MD, November 2nd, 1862. 10 pages in ink by Charles E. Snyder, 50th NY Engineers to Hannah...we hear the sound of booming cannon in the distance speaking of what our fellow men are involved with, probability of another great battle, a week ago we laid a pontoon bridge at this place and thousands of men and trains have passed since, the whole left wing of the Army of the Potomac has passed here, troops have been passing by the thousands, last Monday we moved our camp from Harper's Ferry to down here, mentions the 97th NY camped nearby with severely reduced forces. A long letter continues with all aspects of life in their camp and philosophy about the War in general. A very newsy and well written Engineer letter........................................$145.00

710 - BEGINNING OF THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, Camp near Buzzard's Peek, GA, May 4th, 1864. Three page letter in ink by Pvt. James L. Bryant, 33rd Mass Vol. beginning of Sherman's March towards Atlanta, written to his Father and Mother...we have left the pleasant valley of the Lookout and have camped here, has marched and camped at Gordon's Mill, GA, they are copper in color from marching in the sun and will be soon black before the Fall...we are now what we call "in front", our picket has gone up to what they call Smokey Ridge, they are near Ringgold, GA., and will proceed to march until the Gulf of Mexico...Sherman's march begins towards Atlanta......................................$125.00

711 - BEGINNING OF THE PENINSULA CAMPAIGN NEAR RICHMOND, Camp Beauford, MD, March 24th, 1862. 2 pages in ink by Pvt. Alvin Young, 2nd New Hampshire Volunteers to his friend Frank...this is his last letter as the General has ordered no more letters be sent over the Potomac. Last Wednesday about 20,000 men passed down the river and about thirty or thirty-five thousand passed yesterday, he is weary of waiting to move South, he must cut the letter short as he has four more letters to write before he leaves, comes with the stamped cover with a Washington CDS, well written.......................................$89.00

Letters from Edward Potter - US Navy attack on New Orleans and Vicksburg

712 - WE ARE OFF PETIT'S BAR NEAR MOBILE, USS WISSAHICKON, February 8th, 1862. Four page letter by Edward Potter to his sister, "Went on shore and got some oysters, we see the vessels off Mobile, 12 - 15 miles distance, we are needing coal and will go to Ship Island, describes the discipline of the Captain, newsy letter, missing last page...........................$55.00

714 - CAME FROM SHIP ISLAND, LANDED AT NEW ORLEANS, WENT UPRIVER TO FIND REBELS, Algiers, LA (across the river from New Orleans), June 10th, 1862. Four page letter to Mira from Robert Fl. We have been ordered to march any hour, given 40 cartridges and started on the Steamer Diana upriver. When we were about 12 miles upriver, we were told we were going upriver after about 200 - 300 Rebel Cavalry...the boys felt they were going to have a fight, about 3am, we landed and let some men from the company off to see if there were any Rebels, the remainder went upriver on the steamer and was to meet them at the the Convent Landing which was about 12 miles further up...we marched about five miles and at daybreak took a Rebel Captain prisoner...we were very tired since we had left Ship Island, we had done nothing but guard duty. We had arrived at New Orleans, May 6th and arrived here May 30th. News tells us that Richmond is ours after 3 days of hard fighting...we find a great many Rebels here, but they say little, but that Beauregard will whip us...captured a Colonel and Lt. Colonel, but released them on a Parole of Honor, mentions those ill in the company. A newsy letter on one of the first movements upriver by the newly arrived Butler troops........................$145.00

715 - BRASHEAR CITY, LA - CAMP OF THE 16TH OHIO BATTERY, November 25th, 1863. Six page letter in ink from Captain T.P. Turst of the 16th Ohio to his wife, comes with a nice stamped envelope CDS New Orleans with a DUE 6 stamp. He speaks at length of his wife coming to join him, troops are to leave for Texas, but the heavy draft boats could not come over the bar there, troops had to be sent back to New Orleans for transport to Texas, he raves about and describes the countryside and tells his wife he would like to move there (New Orleans) after the War, vivid descriptions of the crops, vegetables, oranges, the splendid weather, he remarks about the absence of Yellow Fever in New Orleans the past two seasons (a result of the cleaning up of the City by Butler removing stagnant standing water and cleaning the streets where mosquitoes flourished in the past), much more on the area, interesting and well-written with cover.................................................$125.00

716 - RETURN OF THE 56TH NEW YORK SHOWS TWO NURSES LISTED ON ROSTER IN HOSPITALS, Company I, 56th NY Vol., January 31st, 1863. 10" X 16" printed and filled-in, lists two soldiers in Company as NURSES, one in a Yorktown hospital, also lists one detached with the "Signal Corps", scarce listing of NURSES...56th NY Vol. was at Beaufort, SC at that time. Fine.....................................$69.00

Three Newsy Letters from Brig. General Nathanial Collis McLean written from Lexington, KY

717 - SPEAKS OF OUSTING OF GENERAL BURBRIDGE IN KENTUCKY, Lexington, KY, Headquarters, 1st Div. Military District of Kentucky, December 9th, 1864. A four page letter by General Nathanial McLean to his wife. He won't be home for Christmas, doesn't know when General Burbridge will return and fears that he will order me to take his place in the field, he fears also that Burbridge does not have enough troops in the field...he mentions that great efforts are being made to get Burbridge relieved and as much as he apparently dislikes Burbridge, he does not want to be thrown back to General Schofield and doubts he could survive under him...he mentions he does not want to leave again until the prejudices against him are removed. Comes with a stamp removed cover addressed to his wife which in essence is another autograph...Burbridge was despised in Kentucky by civilians and subordinates. McLean has been relegated to Kentucky due to his perceived ineffectualness of his actions at Chancellorsville. Later, he served under Schofield in the Atlanta Campaign...interesting commentary from one General about his commander. Mint condition.....................................................$225.00

719 - BURBRIDGE IS ADVANCING NEAR ROGERSVILLE, STONEMAN WITH HIM, Lexington, KY, Headquarters, 1st Division, Military District of Kentucky, December 14th, 1864. 4 page letter in ink to his wife by General Nathanial McLean. He relates...he wishes a good night kiss from her and he won't be able to leave for Christmas as he cannot leave, but looks forward to going to Louisville to prepare for her to come...General Burbridge is advancing near Rogersville, TN. As he has met General Stoneman - he is not certain what the object is at present, he has not heard anything about the changes in command, but he expects to hear something any day, Burbridge's friends in the military may consent to a change if they can get a man they like in his place. Burbridge and Stoneman were on their way to destroy supplies and facilities in Southwest Virginia and soon met Breckenridge at Marion, VA, which slowed down his efforts to destroy civilian property as he was stalled by the small group of Confederates under Breckenridge. Burbridge was soon ousted from command as he had alienated everyone in Kentucky. Well written by McLean and comes with a envelope minus the stamp addressed to his wife by him which is another signature................................$225.00

723 - A NAVY SURGEON REQUESTS A PROMOTION, CITES HIS NAVAL EXPERIENCE AND TAKES THE TEST FOR PROMOTION, December 9th, 1862. 1 page long letter by Asst. Surgeon R.L. Weber as well as his written medical test for consideration for promotion. In his letter he cites his past service on the USS CONGRESS, the flagship of the Brazil Squadron, then sent to the gunboat UNADILLA and sailed with Dupont to Port Royal, SC and served during the bombardment of Port Royal, then went to Hilton Head, SC on the Unadilla. The second document details the questions posed to him and his answers. Some of the questions he answered were: what part of the fibula is usually fractured, what type of accidents and injuries usually require amputation, describe the human eye, and describe the boundaries of the inguinal canal. 5 pages of total manuscript, 2 documents.......................................$200.00

736 - THE SIXTH CORPS, DANVILLE, VA, May 1st, 1865, Volume 1, #1. A 22" X 24" Union army newspaper, Corps bade to left top, published right at the end of the War, many General Orders including THE SURRENDER OF JOHNSTON IN NORTH CAROLINA with terms of surrender at Greensboro. 2 pages single sheet, rare and the first issue ever printed..................................................$165.00