Keeping his wife Catherine informed of his activities, including military matters, his pay and other financial issues, thoughts on re-enlisting, camp life, etc., in a series of 11 autograph letters, the first on an illustrated patriotic letterhead, signed by Jamieson, February 17, 1862 – June 4, 1864, from various posting in Virginia, to “Dear Wife” in New York. 11 autograph letters.
8vo, 32 pages, approximately 2750 words (selections from the letters are included below). Accompanied by a framed silhouette of Jamieson at 16, signed by him on the mount below the image in 1847. The letters are folded for mailing and housed in contemporary blue envelopes with place and date written on the address panel (by Mrs. Jamieson?). Item #69244
Camp Graham (2/17/62): “The paper which we received was some what depreciated in value. I considered it advisable to keep it in my possession for a few days before consenting to a Shave.” Camp near Warwick Court House (4/31/62): “Judging from the frequent midnight Alarums we have of late I have come to the conclusion that before many suns go down there will be some startling scenes in this section of the country.” Camp near Fair Oaks (6/14/62): “It is with sorrow I have to mention the Death of my Comrade John Reed. Our company was on outpost Picket duty Sunday and Monday on the afternoon of Monday. He got shot by a Rebel Picket or Sharp Shooter, the ball entering at the side. He was brought into camp and live 3 hours with all his faculties till the last minute.” Camp near Harrison Landing (7/16/62): “What is left of this regiment has had a breathing spell for 10 days in order to recruit their shattered and exhausted bodies … we are on the outskirt of a dense forest with a great deal of level and open county, in front a large running stream close by and the broad and beautiful James River a mile distant … [the rebels] have shown no disposition to interfere with our movements but as their movements have all been characterized by cunning and treachery they may pay us a visit some early morning.” Near Fredericksburg (6/13/63): “We are expecting at any moment to be drove across the river as the force on this side is insufficient to contest the ground with advantage.” Camp near Culpepper (9/28/63): “I would not be surprised if we should fall back to the Defences of Washington.” Camp near Warrenton (9/30/63): “The War Department have already made offers to us and all the regiments whose time will expire in the summer of 64 to Reinlist for 2 years or during the war. The terms seem to be quite Liberal. The government agrees to 402 dollar of a premium and $100 bounty at the end of the term of Service and I also understand the State will give us 50 or 75 dollars additional … the purpose making out of the old troops a Corps which will be known and designated as a Corps of Veterans. To belong to suck a body a great number of the men feels a degree of Pride.” Coal [i.e., Cold] Harbour, Virginia (6/4/64): “I am still in the land of the living … we are now in front of the Enemy and both armies strongly entrenched … the fighting has been sever and as a consequence a fearful loss of Life has been the result and in my opinion very little advantages gained on our Line. The men is completely worn out, engaged or being under fire by day, marching or making Rifle Pitts by night. With very little to eat has rendered the army unfit to act in a manner to insure victories … I think enough lives have been sacrificed already to grant those who have Survived a little Breathing spell … Charles Armstrong received a mortal wound in the Bowels. He died in Hospital the same night. 3 others got killed in our company and several wounded. The regiment has lost about half its numbers.” Jamieson, at age 31, enlisted in the 67th New York (called the 1st Long Island Regiment by many members from Brooklyn, and used by Jamieson in these letters) on June 4, 1861 and was mustered in as a private in Co. K on June 24th; he was promoted to corporal in December of that year and to sergeant in February, 1863. Jamieson mustered out in Brooklyn, with the regiment, July 4, 1864, with his three years of service complete (and exactly a month after his letter from Cold Harbor, his thoughts of re-enlistment from September of the previous year apparently trumped by the carnage he endured in the meantime). The 67th New York fought in almost all of the major battles with the Army of the Potomac, traced in part by these letters (Defense of Washington, Seven Days around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Valley of Virginia, Cold Harbor).
A very good lot. For the 11 letters and the silhouette,
Price: $1,500.00