July 2016 Auction Ends Thursday, July 21st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/21/2016
Beautifully composed Civil War letter by Private Overton H. Steger, a Private in the 21st Virginia Infantry, Co. D. From "Camp, Mt. Pisgah" on 25 April 1864 -- only days before the regiment fought at Wilderness and Spotsylvania CH, Steger writes, "Agreeable to expectations we returned here yesterday (Sunday). I said agreeable to expectations but it was nevertheless contrary to the expectations of a great many and even though we have gotten back here it is not thought that we will remain long. The Officers all have received orders to send their tents to the rear from which they deduce the opinion that there is a move on hand and in a few days we will be ordered out. However, I suppose that it is entirely uncertain or depends pretty much upon the enemies movements. We hear reports however which seem to be very well founded, it seems there is considerable activity in the Yankee camp. It has been discovered I understand that they are sending long wagon trains back toward the Rappahannock. I would not be surprised if they are going to make a retrograde movement for the purpose of advancing in a different direction. However all is as yet at least to be veiled in uncertainty…however will soon develop their design…Let us humbly pray that the almighty so directs the course of events that the campaign upon which we are about to enter may prove to be the last of this uncalled for and cruel war. We have spent with but little exceptions quite a pleasant time in our winter quarters and I feel that I shall look back with remembrance that is sweet upon the quiet and happy moments enjoyed here for I have experienced real pleasure on several occasions…I cannot but feel sometimes a stir of regret that those quiet pleasures at moments we are now enjoying will soon be numbered…Overton". Two page letter is very good, with elegant script. With a transcription of the letter.
21st Virginia Infantryman -- ''...considerable activity in the Yankee camp...Let us pray that the almighty so directs the course of events...to be the last of this uncalled for and cruel war...''
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