United States Military Railroad - 1st Army Photographer

Item LTR-8345

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink. Mustered into service as a captain with the 141st New York Infantry.


Alexandria
November 13, 1863

Harper V. Bro

Hoping that they may prove of some little interest to you. Please accept the enclosed magazine and the three views. One of Orange V. Alexandria Depot, Alexandria, the point from which the supplies of the Army of the Potomac are sent. There are sometimes fifty trains per day started from this point. It is probably a road doing more business according to its length than any other in the world.

Another view of the Battery of Rifles overlooking Fredericksburg. This was one of the most effective weapons wielded at the taking of that place by General Sedgwick’s Corps at the last battle.

The third is of Bull Run Bridge and its surroundings. The Orange and Alexandria Rail Road passes over. A further up the stream you will see the abatements and piers of the Wagon Road Bridge, a line of rifle pits that were thrown up by the rebels the fall of ’61. This was also the scene of General Tyler’s death. On the right bank, just over the bluff, will be found many graves of union soldiers.

The magazine I picked up on the Old Bull Run battlefield, the day after the skirmish between the 19th New York Cavalry, in which they drove a portion of the enemy’s cav and drove them from the field.

I have very many views of interest taken by myself.

If these are of an acceptable character and you would like others, address Captain, care of J. H. Devereux, Sup of U.S. M.R.R., Alexandria, VA.

Yours Anonymous.