Description:

11TH NEW YORK CAVALRY CORRESPONDENCE
A good collection of seven letters totaling 20pp., written by brothers Silas and Orrin Baxter between January 1862 and August 1863. Silas Baxter served in the 11th (Scott's 900) New York Cavalry while Orrin Baxter served in the 56th Penn. Vols. Silas' letters read, in small part: "...[1/16/62] we had a good time New Years hunting after rebels and we got one. We were stationed at Edward's Ferry and he came down to the river and we went across and fetched him over, he said he had got tired of fighting in the rebel army...[3/12/62] the doctor has marked me not fit for duty but I shall probably be fit by tomorrow or next day...There is some heavy steamers in the harbor today it is nothing here to see 12 or 14 vessels here sailing at once and little sail boats without number...[5/9/1862] we are camped on the land formerly owned by the Rebel Floyd about 1-1/2 miles from Washington City...took the cars to Philadelphia...there to Baltimore on the cars from there to Washington...the ladies cheered us all of the way from the other side of Philadelphia, there they came the whole length of the cars and shook hands with us all and wished us a safe and quick return and in Baltimore there plenty of cheers in some parts of the city, but after that it was very still...we passed a great many soldiers...the road is all guarded....[11/22/1862] the regiment that the boys is in left and went past here but I can't tell where they was a going to some said they was a going to Texas. I did not see Sam when they went past, it was very muddy and rained all day the day they left so it was hard marching. They all wished they was in cavalry in room of having to lug a musket but it is too late now to repent so they must bear it...[no date] we have moved our camp over into the city near General Casey's headquarters it was to sickly over on the other side of the river. The men was getting the ague but I did not get any of it this time. I have not drank any liquor since I left Binghamton...There is plenty of it here in the city and the boys has it most everyday but have made up my mind to let it alone for it has sent me from my home...[8/23/63] the army is doing something down at Charleston, S.C. the firing begins to tell on Fort Sumter, and the impression is that Charleston will soon fall. We expect to leave for the field in a short time they have got the Burnside carbine for us besides our pistols. Sam knows what kind they are they load at the breech with a copper cased cartridge...". His brother Pvt. Orrin Baxter, 56th Penn. Vols., writes: [3/13/62]...I have been sick with the mumps but have got well. There has been a number of others sick with it...tell Sam that he must not be such a coward but come down here and got with us South, he never will regret it...we elected a new captain since we have been here. Edson Warner is our captain now. Searle was drunk all the time he was here..". Very good.

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June 3, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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