March 2012 Auction Ends Wednesday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2012
4.5pp. letter from Commissary Sergeant Elbridge Howe of the 24th Massachusetts Infantry, Company I. Accompanied by cover. Written in ink and datelined ''Bermuda 100 Landing Va,'' 12 January 1865, letter reads in part: ''...It is now past ten oclock and time all honest people were in bed, but as you know that I am not as honest as I ought to be and so think there will be no harm in sitting up a while longer. I have just come in from a walk...It was something such a night as...when we went to Spencers three in a small buggy when Martha Carkens went with us. Does Martha ever visit you or does the old lady keep her in the house all the time...I wonder who will get Married next. I begin to feel encouraged if such a fellow as Rut can find a woman that will share his bed...I think any one can. I thought he was in the Army. Have not heard a word of him since I was home last winter. Where has he been since then. Didn't he go away with his regiment...I saw that friend of Freds...He says that he has several correspondents...Libbie is one of them and Bell is another. I should think that would be enough for one man...He says that Bell expects to be married soon...You mentioned Frank Smiths wife being quite sick. I heard before she was not expected to live. how sad it seems to have one so young taken away and just as they have begun to enjoy life...'' The 24th Massachusetts met the enemy at Roanoke Island, Newbern, Tranter's Creek, Whitehall and Drewry's Bluff. Elbridge Howe mustered into Company I on 28 August 1862, reenlisted on 2 January 1864 and mustered out on 20 January 1866 at Richmond, Virginia. Letter measures 5'' x 8''. First page partially double written. Minimal foxing, otherwise near fine condition.
1865 24th MA Infantry -- ''...You mentioned Frank Smiths wife...was not expected to live. how sad it seems to have one so young taken away and just as they have begun to enjoy life..."
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