CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS (5) LETTERS– 37TH PA & 191 PA INF

Description: Plain Jane 1 CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS LOT OF (5) LETTERS – 37TH PA & 191 PA INF – PATRIOTIC LETTERSHEET W/COVERS DESCRIPTIONLot of five letters written by James M. Seals, to his wife. Letters span the entire war. The first being from Nov 12, 1861 on a multicolored “UNION” w/ eagle lettersheet. Three page pen written letter, separation along fold lines, repaired with document repair tape. Separation has caused a few words to be illegible. Mostly personal matters and thoughts. The second is dated March 10th 1862 from Camp Pierpoint, with an illustration of a camp scene, soldier, with the caption Pennsylvania below seal. Four page pen written letter, in part:Dear wife, ……I could not possibly give it a limit as we will undoubtedly move before the expiration of that time and before this is received we will be on our way. Leesburg was evacuated yesterday, that lays in our direct course. It is thought that they are concentrating their forces at Manassas Gap where they intend giving battle for their assumed Independence. I think through it seems from certain demonstrations which they have made within the last 2 months that they are beginning to look confident in and no doubt many that feel that a few months ago that were so zealous in the Confederate cause would be willing to submit to the regular regulations which are by the old Stars and Stripes.No doubt there will be a big fight here in the sacred soil and you must look out for to see the 8th figuring largely in it for they some disposed to a man to make a demonstration and if they have much as an opportunity of course the Rangers shall figure largely but they are beating taps so I must close if anything worthy of note….your most obedient husband Jas M. Seals The third is dated June 7th 1862, and is from Fredricksburg. The is a small wreath and words in t/l corner. In part: Dear wife….. just in good time to find me in the present camp. As we rec’d today orders to make preparations and hold ourselves in readiness for a move which in all probability we will make tomorrow. our destination is Richmond for the purpose of joining General Mcclelland's Army the trains which we supposed to convey us are now lying in the river, from this fact I would infer that we will be conveyed by water to Fortress Monroe from where we will from connection to some point with Mcclelland's Force. what is in store for us I cannot say yet ever it may be I feel confident and not only one regiment but whole division we will acquit themselves with credit and effect we have for so long time been held back from striking and a effectual blow that each of us are chafing(?) for an opportunity in the battlefield… The fourth letter is from Alexandria Va., dated June 6th 1863, and features a hand tinted view of a building. (app two months later her was taken at Weldon Railroad as a POW)In part: Dear wife I received your last letter this morning and was glad to know that those rumors are false I am satisfied that these rumors have been or organized by malicious persons who would ruin their reputation of anyone that they might have company when I get a furlough which I hope in to be soon I will make all the explanations that may be necessary. the late rumors of rebel raids into this part of the country have principally all died away and anything is quiet about Alexander occasionally a rumor comes to Camp that the old reserves will be sent to the front but as yet I cannot see no indications of such a movement I am still as ever affectionately James Seals The last is dated May 17th 1865 from Camp of the 191st Regt Pa.Most of the letter is in regard to the possibility of being mustered out. All five covers are present, though when purchased were separated from the letters. One should be able , based upon the postmarks, to somewhat mate the pairs. James M. Seals originally mustered into the Pennsylvania Reserves, quickly absorbed into the 37th Pa Infantry. Seals’ company I was known as “The Greene County Rangers” and he references the “Rangers” in his letters. Residence Waynesburg PA; Enlisted on 6/20/1861 as a Private.On 6/20/1861 he mustered into "I" Co. PA 37th Infantry On 5/15/1864 he transferred into PA 191st Infantry (date and method of discharge not given)He was Mustered Out on 6/28/1865 at Washington, DCHe was listed as:* Wounded (date and place not stated)* POW 8/19/1864 Weldon Railroad, VA* Released 2/28/1865 (place not stated)Promotions:* Corpl 5/15/1865The Pennsylvania Reserves were 15 regiments that were recruited in early 1861. Refused by the War Department as they were in excess of Pennsylvania’s quota, Governor Curtin decided they would be armed and trained at state expense. The War Department soon realized they were needed and assigned them standard designations when they were accepted into Federal service. But the men preferred to be known by their original name: the Pennsylvania Reserves. Company I was known as “The Greene County Rangers” – Greene County – Captain Silas M. BailyJuly 20Ordered to Washington, D.C., travelling by rail to Harrisburg and then to Baltimore.July 23Arrived in Washington and camped on Meridian Hill.July 29Mustered into three years United States service at Meridian Hill, District of Columbia.August 2 Ordered to the Pennsylvania Reserve Camp at Tennallytown, Md. Attached to 1st Brigade, McCall’s Pennsylvania Reserves Division, Army of the PotomacSeptember 4 Skirmish at Great Falls.The regiment was sent to support the 7th Reserves, which had been “vigorously” shelled by Confederate artillery.October 9 At Camp Pierpont, near Langley, Va.1862 March Attached to 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 1st Corps, Army of the PotomacMarch 10-15Advance on Manassas, Va.April 9-19 McDowell’s advance on FalmouthApril-May Duty at Fredericksburg attached to 1st Brigade, McCall’s Division, Dept. of the Rappahannock, then to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Dept. of the RappahannockJune 9-11 Peninsula Campaign Moved to White House Virginia, and attached to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac, then marched to join the army at Gaines Mill. June 26 Battle of Mechanicsville. The regiment held the center of the line along Beaver Dam Creek, with four companies under Lieutenant Colonel Oliphant advanced as skirmishers.Nearly one hundred men were killed and wounded in the regiment’s first combat. Company F was captured, having been detailed to the skirmish line and never being recalled when the army withdrew.June 27Gaines Mill. The regiment lost 24 men killed and 18 badly wounded. The regiment crossed the Chickahominy River that night, and after a day’s rest marched toward the James River.June 30Charles City Cross Roads (Glendale)The regiment charged the 6th Georgia Infantry Regiment, pushing them back. But a counterattack forced the regiment back until darkness ended the fighting.The 8th Reserves lost 200 casualties, with 16 men killed and 14 badly wounded. Colonel Hays was injured by a fall when his hose was killed.July 1 Malvern Hill The regiment was in reserve and not engaged. Many of the men were so exhausted that they dropped to the ground and slept as the battle went on.July-August At Harrison’s LandingAugust 28 Battle of Gainesville A single shell killed two men were killed and wounded six, one mortally, in Companies B and G.August 29 Battle of GrovetonAugust 30Second Battle of Bull Run (Second Manassas)The regiment lost 5 killed, 17 wounded and 30 missing out of less than one hundred engaged.September 6-24Maryland Campaign.Attached to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment was commanded by Captain C.L. Conner.September 14 Battle of South Mountain. Led by Captain C.L. Conner, the regiment attacked up the steep slope of the mountain, covered with trees and rocks, under heavy enemy fire. It reached the summit by nightfall, taking a number of prisoners. The 8th Reserves lost 17 men killed, including Lieutenant Carter, and 37 wounded.September 16-17 Battle of Antietam. The regiment was commanded at Antietam by Major Silas M. Baily. It lost 12 men killed and 43 wounded, fighting on the right of the Union line in the Cornfield.From the monument to the 8th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves at Antietam:Advanced about 600 yards south and became engaged with Hood’s Confederate DivisionSeptember –October Duty in MarylandOctober 30-November 19 Movement to Falmouth, Va.December 12-15 Battle of Fredericksburg. The regiment was part of Meade’s attack which broke Jackson’s line 3 miles south of Fredericksburg. But the attack was not supported, and Meade’s men had to be withdrawn in the face of heavy enemy counterattacks.It lost 28 men killed, 86 wounded, and 22 captured. 1863January 20-24 “Mud March”February 6 Ordered to Washington, D.C. and at Alexandria to rest and recruit. Attached to 2nd Brigade, Pennsylvania Reserves Corps, 22nd Corps, Dept. of WashingtonAprilAttached to District of Alexandria, 22nd Corps1864 April 19 Rapidan Campaign. Left Alexandria to join the Army of the Potomac. Attached to 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 5th Corps.May 5-7 Battle of the Wilderness. The 8th Reserves crossed the Rapidan after midnight on the 4th and camped near the Lacy House.May 5Battle of the Wilderness – Day 1 the division was thrown forward on the right center and was soon skirmishing with the enemy. In the meantime Wadsworth’s Division became heavily engaged and was being driven, when the regiment was thrown forward to the right to check the enemy’s advance, where it occupied a line of rifle pits, keeping up a constant skirmish firing during the night.May 6 Battle of the Wilderness – Day 2 The next morning the 8th Reserves moved up the Gordonsville pike. They deployed to the left of the road in a woods, and moved forward in line, driving the enemy. Companies D and I were sent forward as skirmishers, and fought for three hours, with Company I loosing one man killed and ten wounded. At 1 P. M. the line was withdrawn three hundred yards and dug a line of rifle pits. They kept up a steady fire until dark, when they were relieved by the 95th Pennsylvania Infantry. May 7 Battle of the Wilderness Day 3. The regiment was in reserve. It lost 6 men killed and 27 wounded during the two days of fighting.May 8-17 Battle of Spotsylvania Court House The regiment was almost constantly engaged from the 8th until the 15th. It lost 3 men killed and 16 wounded.May 17Left the front to muster out. Men whose enlistments had not yet expired were transferred to the 191st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. Please refer to photographs. Domestic post will be $8.00 Thank you for your interest in the item. TERMS AND CONDITIONS All merchandise is unconditionally guaranteed as to originality and description. Payment is to be received within 3 days after notification. Items are usually sent within 1-2 days upon payment. In most cases, the most cost efficient means of shipping will be offered. Books are generally sent USPS media mail.

Price: 425 USD

Location: Avondale, Arizona

End Time: 2024-11-26T04:54:32.000Z

Shipping Cost: 8 USD