3114

56th New York Infantry ALS 1862

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:NA
56th New York Infantry ALS 1862
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4pp. letter from James H. VanVort of the 56th New York Infantry, Company A. Written in ink and datelined ''Yorktown Oct 8th /64,'' letter reads in part: ''…Hurrai for the box it has got here at last…it could not have come in a better time for the Company myself included was all out of tobaco…it had been here one hour i was all sold out except a few segars & a little tobaco that i kept for my own use. i could have sold most any quanity of chewing if i had had it the boys kept running to my tent after it for three days after it was sold. My tent mate said those preserved Cherries were excelent i agree…The ink bottle was broke. the pocket knife had been taken out…the Rebs i think are too much in need of men up along the Potamic to send any down this way. We have our old Brigadeer General Nagley with us again and General Emory has left we have got a lot of Commissioned officers in our Co. S. Milton is Captain. Thomas Atwood first Luetenant & Wilber Still Second both Luetenants were promoted from the first ranks. the Capt from Luetenantry…'' VanVort mustered into Company A on 19 September 1861 and reenlisted on 16 February 1864. Five months after writing this letter, VanVort was discharged for promotion and commissioned as First Lieutenant in the 128th Connecticut Infantry. He mustered out on 10 October 1866. The 56th New York saw action at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Pines and Honey Hill. During that time, it lost 280 men, almost 80 percent of whom died of disease. Ink letter measures 4.75'' x 7.75''. Partial separation at folds and minor dampstaining not affecting text. Excellent condition.