129. GOVERNOR SPRAGUE BIDS FAREWELL TO THE FIRST RHODE ISLAND Printed broadside, 1p. small folio, "Camp Sprague", May 23, 1861 bearing the text of Rhode Island General Order No. 11 in which "The Colonel commanding takes pleasure in promulgating the following communication from His Excellency, Governor Wm. Sprague" The body bears the text of Sprague's letter to the 1st Rhode Island shortly before they departed south toward Washington: "I am unwilling to take leave of the First Regiment R. I. D. M., without first bidding one and all, a reluctant good bye. I have shared with you your anxieties and cares, and would not lose, by absence, the opportunity of sharing with you your first conflict in arms. The public service, both State and national, demands my presence in Rhode Island. That performed, accompanied by more of Rhode Island's sons, I shall rejoin you..." Signed in print by Sprague as well as Ambrose E. Burnside, who commanded the 2nd Brigade at First Manassas on July 21, 1861. Governor Sprague rejoined the brigade as a volunteer for the battle, having a horse shot out from under him during the fight. The first Rhode Island, with only a few days left in their term of service, lost 12 killed, 33 wounded, 8 missing and 20 captured. A few small holes, mostly at fold intersections, a few marginal tears, weak folds repaired on verso, otherwise very good. $400-600