March 2012 Auction Ends Wednesday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2012
4pp. letter from Chester C. Beecher of the 13th New York Heavy Artillery, Company D. Accompanied by cover. Datelined ''Fort Ringgold V.A.,'' 12 July 1864, letter reads in part: ''...I have not been able to do duty for about one week...I was taken with a chill, accompanied with a slight fever...Sunday morning July 10th there was an order issued for 40 men with 4 days rations to go off somewhere for the purpose of making a raid. 22 men from our Co. went and 18 men from the other Co. Winfield went with them...On the 4th of July, there was a 'National' salute fired at this Fort. There was no fatigue, nor drill. The Lieut. Col. permited the soldiers to go outside the breastworks in the afternoon...It seems rather dull to be pened up...not allowed to pass outside...I think we should all be much healthier if we could get out into the fields once in a while and have our liberty...There is a Sutler Store in camp. I have sometimes bought cheese and crackers at the Sutlers, when I have been sick and could not eat the rations, but they charge an enormous price...I think that I shall be able to do duty by tomorrow. After I finish writing I must go and scour my gun & brasses, so as to be ready for any emergency which may present itself...'' The 13th New York served as infantry and heavy artillery in Virginia and North Carolina in the defenses of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and as coastguard aboard war vessels along the Atlantic. Beecher mustered into the 13th New York on 4 August 1863. He transfered to Company L of the 6th New York Heavy Artillery on 18 July 1865 and mustered out of service on 24 August 1865 at Washington D.C. Letter measures 4.75'' x 7.75''. Fine condition.
1864 13th NY Heavy Artillery -- ''...After I finish writing I must go and scour my gun & brasses, so as to be ready for any emergency which may present itself...''
Click above for larger image.