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1864, Autograph Civil War Union Letter

Civil War Union Letters

Civil War Soldier Takes Rebel Prisoners To Mead's Headquarters

February 2, 1864, Autograph Civil War Union Letter Signed, "John Hack," Mentioning Union Cowardice and Confederate Soldiers Surrendering, Rappahannock Station (Virginia), Fine.
This interesting 4 page letter, measuring 7.75" x 5" is written by a Union Soldier at Rappahannock Station in Virginia, to Mrs. Rebecca Mars at Kerr Hill, Crawford County, PA. The address does not appear in this letter, but is known from other letters we have handled relating to the Mars family. The writer of this letter describes life in camp, apparently on a stationary front near the Confederate lines, and refers to other man from his home area who was in camp with him. This letter reads, in part (spelling and punctuation corrected):
".... We have been lying in camp and there is nothing going on ... well there aren't any Jonnys here, but a few yards away and they are pretty plenty around here. But I hope them and me may not get together, for I have got an old horse and if they tried, they could easy catch me. Sam brags about his running, but I don't. Well there ain't any of the Kerr town boys here but Sam and Me. I tell you they soon played out as they found soldiering was no fun. Some of them never got so far as to smell powder. This thing of balls flying tries men's spunk. I do not brag of my soldiery, but I tell you I have stayed with the company as yet, so that will do for that .... Well I have to stop writing and take three Reb prisoners to Mead's headquarters. When Sam Jamison and me was away with them, we seen four that gave themselves up. Well there (are) men (who) think that they are whipped, but they think there will be some hard fighting next summer. And that is my opinion about this war - that they will hold out to the last ..."
An insightful letter full of interesting content. This letter is in collectable shape, aside from somewhat faded ink and some scattered foxing.