Civil War Union Letters
“…the Rebel Cavalry have been trying to make a raid on the railroad…”
1862-1863, Nice Collection of Three Letters describing conditions in camp and in battle, Lot of 3, Fine-Very Fine.
1. This set of letters includes a letterhead with a neat, two-color engraving of Washington, heraldic eagle, and caption: “The Pilot of Liberty. The Champion of Peace”, dated Sept. 5, 1862, from “Camp Sixteenth”. Measuring 9.25” x 7.25”, this two page letter reads, in part: “Dear Brother and sister, I once more sit down to rite you a few lines to let you know that I am well again and hope this will find you the same… we was ordered to Hampton roads 2 miles from fortress Monroe we staid thare one night and then ordered to newport news again…”

2. “Camp Liberty, VA”, March 27 (1862), two and a half pages, measuring 7.25” x 4.25”: “Dear Sister: …the Rebel Cavalry have been trying to make a raid on the railroad but they havn’t made out anything…” This soldier awaits a major move that will soon be made by the army—he expects to be right at the front by the summer, and complains about the hard duty.

3. “Niles”, Feb. 3, 1863, two-page letter from a civilian, written to relatives, explaining that “John was wounded” at the Battle of Stones River: “They fought five days and on the fifth day at ten o’clock John was wounded and when they was sending the wounded men from Nashville to Albany, Indiana the boat was captured by the rebels and made prisoner, but thank God they was paroled…” The letter measures 12.25” x 8” and is beginning to separate along the folds, but can be easily repaired. (3 letters)