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"All things look rather blue...A calm before a storm...."

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:162.00 USD Estimated At:325.00 - 400.00 USD
 All things look rather blue...A calm before a storm....
Superior letter of Confederate (1st Sgt.) Jas. H. Broun, Co. A, 3rd Regt. Alabama Vols., "Entrenched Camp at Oak Grove," (Va.), Feb. 27, 1862, 7 1/2 x 12, 2 full pp. In dark pencil on grey. To Mary Broun, Care (of) Messrs. A. Broun & Sons, Mobile, Ala. "It has been so long since I last wrote...I fear you all must think that I am dead and buried, or deserted - but the fact is, the even tenor of our way has been interrupted for the first time in nine months. Since the taking of Roanoke Island by Burnside, this neighborhood has been quite uneasy, inasmuch as it gives the Yankees the whole control of Albermarle Sound, and all of the rivers running into it - most of which are crossed by the only two Rail Roads running from this place, viz the road to Weldon, N.C. and the Petersburgh road, the cutting off of either of which would not only cut off our supplies, but take us in the rear. It is said that Burnside has received a reinforcement of 40,000 men, that added to his previous force, would overpower anything we could bring against him. Besides that, they could attack us with any force by water. As you see, all things look rather blue. It is said that there are 20,000 troops that could be concentrated here, in case of an attack, but I am afraid the number is overestimated. Where they are, I cannot tell. We were thrown into quite an excitement two weeks ago by an order to get ready to march. It was reported that the enemy were marching on Suffolk about 20 miles from Norfolk on the R. Road, and that we were to go there, and in all probability would have a fight in less than 24 hours. We were soon ready to march, taking nothing with us but what we could carry on our backs, unwillingly leaving all of our luxuries behind. We were marched about 9 miles to the rail road where we were halted...We are encamped on the R. Road about a mile from Portsmouth... This place has been used by a Georgia Regt. but the cabins they put up look so dirty, that I preferred my tent, and although rather cool with only one blanket...I manage pretty well by making a fire at the door of my tent, preferring the smoke to the cold. The boys are just learning what true soldiering means, and having had such an easy time for so long, it comes rather hard...I believe it is only a calm before a storm - that they will take this place soon...They will never attack us now except with overpowering numbers. No matter how large their force though, they will have to fight hard for it. I with about 25 others of our Co. have reenlisted for two years, or the War - being determined...to stand by our course to the last...Perhaps the next time you hear from me, will be from Fort Warren...I hope you will be able to read this. I am writing on a board on my knees...." Very light fold wear, pencil arrow pointing to a vivid passage, perhaps by the recipient, else about fine. * With envelope, blue Portsmouth, Va. c.d.s., "10" handstamps in both black and light blue, old glassine hinge on verso, flap tear, else fine and unusually clean. (2 pcs.)