1862 Manuscript Civil War Soldier's Letter Illustrated Letter Sheet 5th Riv #2 For Sale

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The 5th Rhode Island Infantry was organized at Providence, Rhode Island as a battalion of five companies and mustered in December 16, 1861. An additional five companies were raised afterward and mustered in December 27, 1862. After being mustered in on December 16, 1861, Benjamin F. Drown was aboard the large transport Kitty Simpson with his Regiment, the 5th Rhode Island Volunteers by the middle of January, 1862. The transport made its' way through Chesapeake Bay to Hatteras Inlet. The opening phase of what came to be called the Burnside Expedition, the Battle of Roanoke Island was an amphibious operation of the American Civil War, fought on February 7–8, 1862, in the North Carolina Sounds a short distance south of the Virginia border.

This Civil War Letter was written on board the Ship Kitty Simpson and is dated January 31st, 1862. It was written by Private Benjamin F. Drown of Company C., 5th Regiment Rhode Island Infantry to his Parents. It is written on a 4 page folded letter sheet and each page measures approx. 5" x 8". The manuscript covers the entire surface of all four pages, with the exception of the first page, which carries a 2" x 5" Color Patriotic Illustration at the top. The Illustration is red, white and blue in color and consists of an eagle atop a shield with an American Flag on either side and stars above it. Drown has written "Hurrah for Burnside" above the illustration, and has drawn the Rhode Island Coat of Arms on the lower left side of the illustration. Included with the letter is the original envelope that the letter was mailed in.The cover has had the original postage stamped removed (surely done a very long time ago) and has roughage and a tear at the left hand edge where it was opened to access the letter.

A large part of Drown's letter to his parents concerns various communications between him and his family, as well as gratitude for money and postage stamps sent. He says that while he told them he did not want them to send him money "I am glad of it, for the Quartermaster has got cheese, butter, cookies, apples etc. to sell so it will come quite handy". He also informs them of monies that he has sent home and gives them directions on how to acquire the rest of the money owed to him.
Drown then says: "Here we are in the Inlet but yet we are expecting to go on board the Steamer S.R. Spaulding every day where the General and his staff are to be. We are to be Burnside's Body Guard, this I think is quite a honorable post for the Batalion, there is a Schooner along side of us today taking out provisions. We are expecting to go every day for we have got most tired of staying on board this Ship".

Drown concludes his letter with well wishes to various family members and says "Good By Your Son B. F. Drown".

This very rare, original Civil War Soldier's Letter is in very good to excellent condition. The sheets are clean and crisp and the handwriting is dark and bold - neat and legible.

A rare and fascinating, original, 1862 manuscript Civil War Soldier's letter and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!

Overseasshippping is extra and cost will be quoted at buyers request. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.

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This item has been shown 229 times. 1862 Manuscript Civil War Soldier's Letter Illustrated Letter Sheet 5th Riv #2: $213