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Civil War 53rd PA Soldier ALsS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Civil War 53rd PA Soldier ALsS
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Fantastic collection of eight Civil War letters by Wilson J. Barnett of the 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Letters to his parents dated from 11 October 1861 to 15 September 1864 recount many battles fought by the regiment, including Antietam and Cold Harbor. First letter from Camp California, dated 10 December 1861 reads in part: ''…there are many in the north who think that the war will soon be ended…we know there is a large army in front of us very strongly entrenched and ready to accept battle…As soon as Manassas is ours we may look for peace.…'' The 53rd would be involved in the general advance toward Manassas in March 1862. Letter dated 14 January 1862 from Camp California tells of the U.S.S. Pensacola running the ''rebel blockade'' on Saturday morning and of hearing ''…the booming of the rebel cannon firing at her on Saturday night…'' In the same letter: ''…It is likely that we will be moved towards Springfield or Fairfax Ch - but will be held as a reserve. I don't think there is any idea of making a direct attack on Manassas…'' In late summer, after several battles in Virginia, the 53rd moved into Maryland with the Army of the Potomac where they clashed with Confederate troops at Antietam on 17 September. Letter dated 21 September 1862 from the Antietam battlefield reads in part: ''…Oh! The horrors of this battlefield…Battle lines can be distinctly traced by the heaps of dead…Our regiment was detached to hold a certain position…as our line was giving way…The rest of our Brig went in and regained all we had lost…That finished the fighting at close quarters…'' Barnett watched an officer die in front of him: ''He was the bravest most gallant officer in the Regiment.'' After Antietam, the 53rd moved into Virginia again with the Army of the Potomac. On 10 November 1862 Barnett is an eyewitness to the end of General George McClellan's command of the Army of the Potomac: ''…Today witnessed the parting of General McClellan and his army…As he rode past…his countenance wore a sad aspect and many a brave soldier felt the warm tears trickling his bronze cheeks…'' Letter dated 30 May 1864 from Wilson's Landing, Virginia: ''…the colored troops fulfilled our highest expectations, this was the first time they had been under fire…'' Letter dated 22 September 1864 from City Point, Virginia: ''…We are feeling very jubilant after Sheridan's great victory in the [Shenandoah] Valley. A few more such blows and all will be over…'' Letters, ranging from 5'' x 8'' to 7.75'' x 9.75'', on lined paper show expected folds and minor foxing and soiling. Overall very good condition.