809. AVOIDING WHIPPING ON BIRTHDAY A nice war-date Union soldier's letter in ink by Corp. Orange S. Baldwin, Co. H, 143rd Penn. Vols., 4pp. 8vo., "Camp Slocum," [Washington, DC], Dec. 22, 1862" to his cousin concerning Negro fight and the capture of part of the 17th Penn. Cavalry, reading, in part: "...according to the sentiments...from Father & Mother you no doubt think half of this regiment has been shot; well, most of the Regiment has seen a battle, but it was the other day when they were working on the fort a battle occurred between a couple of niggers, however, no lives were lost, nor anybody taken to the hospital, the ground apples flew some. Last night the news came into camp the 17th Pa. cavalry was all taken prisoner by 400 rebels. We thought they must be smart...to let 400 take them, in a short time it was said that only...(400) were taken...". Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover. Baldwin faithfully served throughout the war and fought alongside the famous Pennsylvania "Bucktails" during the battle of Gettysburg. $100-150