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Auction: 316 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 1228

Civil War Letters to Battlefield Surgeon [22] An uncommon gathering of correspondence and miscellaneous documents relating to, and written by, Langdon H. Marvin, a surgeon who had served in several military hospitals during the war, and his son, John H. Marvin who served in the 18th New York. Featured among this group is a July 14, 1861 letter from the young Marvin exclaiming: "Our company was ordered out yesterday on a scouting expedition...We expected to capture a Secessionist Captain but he did not return to his home...Our first Sargent deserted..." After gaining experience in his outfit, Marvin, in his letter of February 8, 1863, relates: "Our regt. was absent from here on the haste advance one week & I can tell you we had a severe time of it but were glad to get back alive..." Just over a year later, on October 16, 1864, Marvin remarks: "The boys are talking about the election but it is all on one side with us. If we have a chance to vote I think that Abe will win. We think there is a chance of closing the war soon if we can keep him at the helm." Defects include age-toning and fold wear with short breaks, otherwise, as a whole, in good condition, Several letters accompanied by their original transmittal envelopes. A desirable group.

Sold for
$375