March 2012 Auction Ends Wednesday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2012
4pp. letter from Charles W. Guest of the 143rd New York Infantry, Company D. Datelined 21 December 1862, ''Camp Bliss, Uptons Hill, Fairfax County, Va.,'' Guest writes just five weeks before dying of typhoid fever: ''...watching for Rebs...we are ten miles west of washington on a hill that overlooks washington and the potomac...a beautifull place, but I don't see many Rebs, only as they pass by enroute for Washington as Uncle Sams prisoners. all I have seen look...very ragged and dirty, not to say anything about the live stock that they carried...I am waiting for the time when I can have a chance to give them fits, for they deserve the worst kind. I have a Brother in the Banks Expedition. One of his ships came very nearly falling to pieces, it was so rotten. that's the way they use Uncle Sam. those cursed abolitionists always come out in that way when the old gentleman gets around to their case I pity them, for then they will get there just dues. Seward has resigned on account of Halleck & Stanton...Chase & Burnside...had a knockdown the other day don't you think that they have fine times. those California lawyers that never knew what a battle was is wholey responsible for the late disaster at Fredericksburg (Mary I dont swear very often) I wish they were all in Hell amongst the damn thats there proper place the patriotism of our men is fast oozing out and I am sure you cannot blame them...'' Guest mustered into Company D on 8 October 1862. He was promoted to Corporal before dying of typhoid fever on 30 January 1863. During his brief service, the regiment served guard duty near the Capitol. Ink letter measures 5'' x 8''. Minimal soiling, otherwise near fine.
143rd NY Infantry ALS -- ''...many Rebs...pass by...as Uncle Sams prisoners...I wish they were all in Hell amongst the damn thats there proper place...''
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