March 2012 Auction Ends Wednesday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2012
Lot of two letters from 17-year-old William S. Cook of the 23rd Massachusetts Infantry, Company F. Dated 11 July 1862, first letter reads in part: ''...I am going down to the Beaufort Hospital today or tomorrow...Will Backerman sends some relics which he wishes you to keep for him...I am going into the Hospital...for the benefit of the sea-air...'' Dated 13 August 1862, second letter reads in part: ''...Frank Lee...was 5th Segt. When he went home...as our Orderly has been promoted, [now] he will be 3rd Sergt. unless the capt. takes it into his head to make him Orderly which...I don't think this giving high bounties...is exactly fair. They have been at home hanging off till the last minute and all they volunteer for now is because they may be drafted...we have done all the work...I am glad I am not in their shoe. I should feel pretty cheap...[we have] such a set of 'poppycock' officers...I should like to get out of it. I don't care about a discharge. I wouldn't take one if offered...the officers of the new regiments...are to [be] taken from the non commish of the old regiments but that don't give privates a chance...the Orderly of Co. C was recently promoted to 2nd Lieut...he came into his quarters & drank profusely of ice water. He died in one hour from the time he came in. Yesterday he was buried. It is the first death (natural) of an officer we have had to record...'' Cook mustered in on 4 December 1861 and was discharged for disability on 13 October 1862, exactly a month after writing the second letter. While Cook was with the 23rd Massachusetts Infantry, the regiment fought several skirmishes around New Berne, North Carolina. Letters run a total of 8pp. Lot includes a partial letter from Cook's brother. Overall, very good condition.
Two 23rd Massachusetts Infantry Letters -- ''...the Orderly...was recently promoted...came into his quarters & drank profusely of ice water. He died in one hour...''
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