1862 CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS LETTER ON BATTLE OF SHILOH ILLUSTRATED LETTER SHEET
Outstanding and original, Handwritten Manuscript Civil War Soldier's Letter dated July 9, 1862 and written on a wonderfully illustrated Civil War Letter Sheet titled "Great Battle at Pittsburgh Landing" and depicting the Battle of Shiloh. The Letter was written by Private John Clarkson Jay Jr. Of Company F, 71st Regiment New York State Militia from Camp Martin in front of Fort Gains, at Tennallytown, D. Private Jay was the son of the famous Physician and acclaimed Conchologist John Clarkson Jay Sr.
And great grandson and namesake of Founding Father and first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court John Jay. The Letter is written to Private Jay's mother and written on a four page, folding letter sheets measuring 5" by 7 3/4". The illustration at the top of the first page is a wonderful view of a clash between massive Confederate and Union forces with the Battle of Shiloh raging. Visible are a number of American and Confederate Flags with what appear to be Union Zouave forces in the foreground and the Confederate forces in the distance. The Letter is dated Sunday, July 9th, 1862 from Camp Martin and reads in full. Camp Martin, Wednesday July 9th 1862.I received a letter from Peter yesterday. We have had excessively hot weather here lately.
It is very warm today. The day before yesterday some of us got a pass + walked to Crystal Spring, a resort about 3 + a half miles distant.
It was a very hot + hilly walk. But we were repayed on our arrival there by getting a good dinner of beefsteak and fried potatoes. We relished it very much since we had had no fresh meat for some time. On our way back we stopped at Rock Creek a stream about 2 miles from here + took a bath.Yesterday too we went over to rock creek + got a bath. We manage to get some cherries around the neighborhood. The officers have not given us many drills lately on account of the extreme heat. There is no news in camp.
Half of our 3 months time is up today. On Monday evening a most terrific thunder shower came up + the wind blew with great violence. We suffered some from the wet in the tent + had to all of us hang on to the tent pole to prevent the wind from overturning it. Many of the other tents were blown over + their inhabitants were completely deluged with rain. With love to all I remain your aff.
Thursday morning Guard tent 5:30 A. I have had a fine night for guard duty. I have two hours more duty between 6 + 8 oclock. Was obviously a well to do and very well educated soldier from a prominent New York family. It is rather interesting to note the perspective from which Private Jay views his service which would conclude after 3 months when the Regiment would be mustered out.It appears that later in the Civil War, Jay enlisted as a surgeon and served in New Orleans. This wonderful, Civil War Soldier's Letter is in very good condition overall.
The Letter is written in iron gall ink and the handwriting is neat and very legible. The illustration at the top of the Letter Sheet is dark and bold and very attractive. There is some scattered light soiling but overall the Letter is well preserved and display nicely. A fascinating Handwritten Manuscript Civil War Soldier's Letter dated July 9, 1862 and written on a wonderfully illustrated Civil War Letter Sheet depicting the Battle of Shiloh and a fantastic addition to any collection!! The item "1862 CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS LETTER ON BATTLE OF SHILOH ILLUSTRATED LETTER SHEET" is in sale since Friday, November 27, 2015.
This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Correspondence, Mail". The seller is "walnutts" and is located in Brewster, Massachusetts. This item can be shipped worldwide.