LOT #72631 |
Sold on Jun 30, 2008 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Autograph Letter Signed by 2nd Lt. William L. Gerrish, 19th Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry, Discussing a Deserter's Execut...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Sold on Jun 30, 2008 for:
$358.50
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Get one of these:
Explore Available Items
Description
Autograph Letter Signed by 2nd Lt. William L. Gerrish, 19th Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry, Discussing a Deserter's Execution. Four pages, two sided, 8vo, "Near Petersburg VA, Jan. 10th, 1865." Six days after receiving his commission as 2nd Lieutenant, Gerrish wrote this news-filled letter to his brother Charles, discussing the movements of his regiment and those he has met along the way. He notes that "...my friend Bennett brought in an old Scotchman of his company who proved himself an amusing specimen of the inferior order of bards, by telling us at least one new anecdote of the poet Burns...the delivery was laughable." Other news was not so humorous. Gerrish also describes the execution of a deserter. In part: "..the culprit was driven sitting on his coffin surrounded by his guard and executioners...an ordinary looking man and hardly appeared like a person on the eve of quitting the world...the word was given he received the fire as he sat on his coffin and fell backward, heels remaining in the air... The thing was over. It did not make so lasting an impression as I had imagined it would be... This might be termed uncivil..." He ends his letter with an admonishment: "Don't come if you can help it, and I don't want you with me anyway, to be plain. I should be anxious all the time..." According to the accompanying obituary printed in a Portland Oregon newspaper, less than a month after writing this letter, Gerrish would die from "congestion of the brain," at the Battle of Hatcher's Run (February 5-7, 1865). Occasional light age toning; fine condition.Auction Info
2008 June Signature Civil War Auction #6002 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2008
29th-30th
Sunday-Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 764
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms