PA Civil War Soldier Describes Embattled Winchester Shells, Graves, Rebels

Enlisted on September 6, 1862, into PA 22. Datelined Winchester, VA, December 29, 1862, Brownlee writes on the leaf of an old book made in 1786.

3 pp, 8 ¼ x 10 ½, he writes to his mother. All our things are left at Romney [WVa]. We have nothing to readso I thought I could not spend a half hour more profitably than in writing you a short letter.

You will see that I have to tear a leaf of an old blank book made in 1786. We came here on Tuesday morn. It is 42 miles from Romney to this place and you might imagine how tired and sleepy we felt when we got here. Many of us had been on picket the night before, which made it worse... We are encamped in the outskirts of the town in some lots without any covering, but one blanket and the canopy of heaven. Some of us pull boards off the fences to protect us from the damp ground. The enemy drove in our pickets night before last, but were driven back with small loss, no loss on our side. I stood picket one night on the old battlefield of Jackson and Banks when the latter was forced to retreat back to Washington City. Shells and ball are to be seen lying around on the ground, and the graves of our brave soldiers mark the place. It is reported that Romney is taken with all our clothesIt may be untrue. There is some fever and a good deal of small pox in the town, so that we keep pretty close to camp. From this place we can see the Blue Ridge Mts. The range is distinctly visible for about 10 miles.

The gap at Harpers Ferry can be seen; Snickers Gap, where there was a hard fight and which the Rebels still hold. Berrys Gap and London Gap are also to be seen. I would think the people of this town must be in a starving condition, everything is very scarce and dearWe could almost get a meal with our spoonful of coffeeWe expect to take another trip of 40 miles tomorrow. We can stand it better than our horses can.

Soldier history of Brownlee along with a copy of his photograph and background of Ringgold Calvary included. Folds, toning and spotted staining. Still very readable and a nice piece written on blank pages from an old book, resulting from the immense paper shortage during the Civil War.

Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club and The Ephemera Society. The item "PA Civil War Soldier Describes Embattled Winchester Shells, Graves, Rebels" is in sale since Tuesday, September 4, 2018.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Correspondence, Mail". The seller is "bminnocci6mtm" and is located in Boston, Massachusetts.

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