LOT #47139 |
Sold on Feb 26, 2026 for: Not Sold
Letter Archive of William W. Rockwell of the Massachusetts 8th Volunteers....
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Description
Letter Archive of William W. Rockwell of the Massachusetts 8th Volunteers. Comprising thirty letters from William W. Rockwell, a soldier in the 8th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, documenting his early Civil War service from April through December 1861. The archive also includes thirteen letters from Rockwell's family, including his brother Julius Rockwell, who served as a wagoner in the 34th Massachusetts Infantry; a boudoir card depicting an engraved image of a soldier in uniform (presumably William), measuring 4 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches; and five partial letters written by William while on picket duty in May 1861. After his brief three-month enlistment in 1861, Rockwell later re-enlisted in the 31st Massachusetts Infantry. He died of disease on December 3, 1863, while on duty in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.William Rockwell was among the earliest volunteers of the war, mustering into service on April 18, 1861, just days after the firing on Fort Sumter. His early letters vividly capture camp life and the excitement of the war's opening months, blending news of military developments with humor and personal anecdotes. Writing from Baltimore on May 15, 1861, Rockwell describes the city's volatile atmosphere following General Butler's crackdown on secessionist violence, along with a prank played on a fellow soldier involving a missing revolver:
"Blood tubs, plug uglies, and all other rowdies are now quiet here, for I am around. We received marching orders yesterday P.M. and in less than an hour after, were on our way to this place...We have about 1,000 troops here, wasn't Butlers proclamation this morning a good one. I tell you, he's a ripper, a regular stunner...We played a good joke on a Worcester boy at the fort day before yesterday. He had lost his revolver, and was around looking after it, and happened to stop when a group of us were stopping. I told him we had one fellow in our Co who would steal all he could...and that his name was Rockwell..."
In another lively letter dated June 26, 1861, Rockwell describes picket duty before offering a long and engaging account of the amusements at camp:
"At any time we may start, and the dealing out of forty rounds of cartridges, night before last, looked rather suspicious. Our regular picket guards continue as usual, and our Co. are called out twice a week. The last time we went out, some four of us went in advance of the Co. and extended our explorations two or three miles in advance of the rest. Nothing came of it, except lots of cherries...We have plenty to amuse us. We have a band of 6 performers (2 violins 1 bass viol 1 pair of bones a guitar and a banjo) and have dancing every day...The soldiers also box considerable, and we have some experts in the regt at it...I see by the papers that all Pittsf. is up in arms, and that the lads and maidens are as excited as anybody, and drill like good soldiers. I shouldn't be much surprised to hear that the babies were in arms before long..."
While stationed in Washington, D.C., Rockwell witnessed the immediate aftermath of the First Battle of Bull Run. Writing on July 22, 1861, he conveys the chaos and confusion as wounded soldiers streamed back into the Capital:
"The unfortunate affair of yesterday renders it probable that our Regt may be on the move. Officers and men are coming in every minute from the field of battle covered with mud, and say that the Federal Army is completely routed and in full retreat toward this place. Several of the promenant officers are killed and others wounded. The mass 1st led the attack in the fight and there loss is immence. One of there officers just came in with 4 wagons full of wounded. Genl Burnside 1st Rd Regt just came in and says that the Enemies victory is compleat, but that our forces are retiring in good order...I expect that a stand will be made at Alexandria..."
Rockwell's initial three-month enlistment ended on August 1, 1861. After returning home, he wrestled with the decision to re-enter the service. In a thoughtful letter to his father dated October 2, 1861, he states that he has decided to re-enlist, outlining his reasoning in detail:
"When you left for Taunton, I promised you that I would consult you before taking any important measure, in regard to my business. Now I have been thinking the matter over and over since I left you, and after a months carefull consideration, I have come to this conclusion...I think the chance for advancement [in the army] would be good, if I merited it...I look at this period in our history as one in which (let the result be as it will) will change our course, and make us more of a warlike nation than ever before, and that in the future the military will be the leading class in the government..."
He closes his letter with a tragically prescient appeal: "Although your oldest son, I am not your only one; cannot you spare one to fight his countrys battles!" While William would not live to see the end of the war, his younger brother, Julius, served through its end, mustering out at Richmond on June 16, 1865.
Condition: Generally very good, with expected mailing folds, toning, and minor wear commensurate with age. A few letters with heavier wear, including small separations, scattered staining, and minor loss, particularly affecting William's fragments written while on picket.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2026
26th
Thursday
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