Nice, newsy, 2 and a half page letter in period ink from Private William H. Welch of Battery M, 16th New York Artillery.  Letter is dated September 2nd 1864 from Fort Magruder, Virginia. 

 

You can read the content for yourself.  It's typical of what a Civil War soldier might write, but it's hardly spectacular.  William Welch is a semi-literate man.  His spelling and grammar are atrocious, but his meaning can be deciphered. The condition of the paper itself is OUTSTANDING.  No tears, rips, holes or stains...just the usual folds.

 

What makes this letter an outstanding piece of history is its imprint.  Any regimental stationary is considered highly desireable, but the 16th New York Artillery wasn't mustered until late 1863.  This imprinted paper must be extremely rare.

 

After training, the men of the 16th weren't really in combat until the middle of 1864. The regiment -- despite serving a relatively short time -- took brutal casualties. More often than not, these artillerymen were used as infantry. If you locate a write up on some of the regiment's exploits online, you're in for a treat.

 

Welch survived the war and a copy of his record from the Civil War database is included. He signs the letter, "Wm. Welch".

 

I can't imagine you would ever find a scarce letter sheet like this under a hundred dollars.  But I got this letter as part of a larger deal and can let it go inexpensively.

 

 

IF YOU WANT TO ORDER AN ITEM…

(or just ask a question about it) please email me directly at cwartifax@gmail.com

Using the “Order Information” button right below the price USUALLY works, but not always.  I don’t know why, but it could have to do with spam settings on either end. The easiest way to order or inquire about an item is simply to email me directly.  Again, my email address is cwartifax@gmail.com

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