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 Simeon C. Smith of the 14th New Hampshire Infantry, Company H, while he was stationed in Savannah, Georgia. First letter, written in rare red ink and dated 19 March 1865, reads in part: ''...It is hot today I have nothing on but my shirt + pants + the sweat is pouring off from me good it is as warm today as eny N.H. July day...just hird that Richmond was evacuated...I think this war is nearly over I am confident that this Summer will finish it up...'' Letter measures 5'' x 8'' and runs 3pp. Minor soiling at creases, otherwise fine. Second letter, written in black ink and dated 24 May 1865, reads in part: ''...My Regt is at Augusta Ga all but my Company that was detatched...to do duty in Camp of Distribution in this City...I was detaled as Clerk...My duty is to take the names of all men that are sent to the camp...+ call the rool twice a day + give passes...The men that come to this camp are Escaped + Paroled Union Prisoners + Convalescants...my health...is verry poor...I have got the Jaundice or bilious complaint to a terrible rate I am as yellow as a safron bug. No appetite so weak I can hardly crawl around + reduced in flesh to 138 lb the lightest I have been for 16 years...'' 4pp. ink letter measures 5'' x 8''. Minor soiling at folds, otherwise fine. Smith mustered into Company H on 10 August 1864 as a substitute and mustered out two months after writing the second letter, on 8 July 1865. The 14th New Hampshire Infantry was the last long-term regiment from that state during the war. The regiment fought in several engagements during 1864, most notably at Opequan, where it lost a third of its fighting force in just 30 minutes while holding firm on the right of the battleline.
Two 14th NH Infantry Letters -- ''...hird that Richmond was evacuated...I think this war is nearly over...'' & ''...I have got the Jaundice or bilious complaint...I am as yellow as a safron bug..."
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