1861 McClellan's Illinois Dragoons -- "...We have dress parade every evening...we are in full dress with clothes well brushed, boots shinning white gloves on...Major Barker complimented us...''
4pp. letter from Milton R. Ginkinger of McClellan's Illinois Dragoons. Written in ink and datelined ''Camp Barker / Sunday / Washington, D.C. Dec, 15, 1861,'' letter reads in part: ''...We have dress parade every evening at 5 o'clock when we are in full dress with clothes well brushed, boots shinning white gloves on etc when we go through several evolutions, the Adjutant then announces the ...Officer of the day' for the day following reads the orders &c. It is considerable work for the men but it looks well. Major Barker complimented us this morning at 'Inspection' at our fine appearance with one or two exceptions. One of our men while cleaning his loaded revolver, last night shot himself through the left hand, so that he will lose one finger...The Farnsworth Regiment left for the vicinity of Alexandria a few days since. I am learning the saber drill quite fast and am in deed getting along very well in everything...We commence building barracks for winter quarters this week...'' Milton Ginkinger mustered into Company A on 22 October 1861. He transferred to Company I of the 12th Illinois Cavalry on 25 December 1862 where he remained till the end of his service. During the war, Ginkinger saw action at Dumfries, Tunstall's Station, Falling Waters, Rapidan, Stevensburg and Red River. Letter measures 5'' x 8''. Letter, in two pieces, shows chipping at edges, otherwise very good condition.
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1861 McClellan's Illinois Dragoons -- "...We have dress parade every evening...we are in full dress with clothes well brushed, boots shinning white gloves on...Major Barker complimented us...''
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