March 2012 Auction Ends Wednesday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2012
ALS from Joseph D. Abbott of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, Company B. Accompanied by cover. Written in pencil and datelined ''Hilton Head Port Royal S.C. July 28 /62,'' letter reads in part: '''...I forgot some few things I wanted sent in the box (if you were so kind as to send it) and I thought that the want of them was worth a post stamp...I want a few more sheets of sand paper. And as my wallet is about played out I should like to have you send me one of them old cotton ones that we used to have...and as I have lost my knife please send me that old knife that grand sir used to have if you can find it. You asked me...what kind of rations we have. We have a loaf of flour bread a day and they Bake new every day. it is about as large as a 5 cent morning loaf and said to weigh 22 oz. that with salt beef and sometimes potatoes...and dried apple sauce sometimes for supper...Don't put any 'good stuff' as Aunt Abbel calls it in the box because the Marshall opens every box and takes out all liquor he finds in them...'' The 1st Massachusetts Cavalry was actively engaged at Rapidan Station, New Hope Church, the Siege of Fort Sumter, Trevilian Station, St. Mary's Church, New Market, Lee's Mills, Malvern Hill, Deep Bottom and Reams' Station. Joseph D. Abbott mustered into Company B on 14 September 1861 and mustered out on 13 September 1864. He was taken prisoner on 17 June 1863 at Aldie Court House, Virginia, where the regiment lost 24 killed, 41 wounded and 89 missing. He was paroled on 15 August 1863. 2pp. letter shows toning and light soiling. Excellent condition.
1st MA Cavalry Soldier Letter -- ''...You asked me...what kind of rations we have. We have a loaf of flour bread a day...that with salt beef and sometimes potatoes...and dried apple sauce sometim
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