March 2012 Auction Ends Wednesday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2012
4pp. ALS from Charles W. Smith of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. Accompanied by cover. Written in pencil and datelined ''Battery No.5, Jan 1st 1864,'' letter reads in part: ''...Gen. Grant has issued orders not to have a shot fired in the line today under any consideration unless the rebels fire first. Consequently it is the quietest day that the army has seen in a year. It started off with a snow storm last evening and is as cold as Greenland here today. Our Co. had a New Years gift of 18 recruits and they are a scared looking set of men. They are sad, tired and came from all quarters of the earth and look like the last rose of summer. I wonder if they are a fair specimen of what is left in the northern states. If so I don't wonder that the girls are anxious to have the war end so that the old soldiers can come home as it is evident that the best of the young men are in the army...Lt. Kill just called me and says that it is time to commence celebrating, so I will have to quit writing for the present and go in and take something to drink with him...'' The 1st Connecticut was engaged at New Bridge, Malvern Hill and Fredericksburg, participated in the Sieges of Yorktown and Petersburg and was a major contributor in the assault on Fort Steadman. Charles Smith mustered into Company I on 23 May 1861 and mustered out on 25 September 1865 as a First Lieutenant. Letter measures 5'' x 8''. Some fading to pencil writing and scattered foxing throughout. Near fine condition.
1864 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery -- ''...Our Co. had a New Years gift of 18 recruits and they are a scared looking set of men. They are sad, tired...and look like the last rose of summer..."
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