Lot
1653 
Union Soldier's Letter, three letters in a series from 45th Massachusetts Infantry (the famous & historic "Boston Cadet Regiment") member Col. Charles Codman to his wife in Boston, written from New Berne, NC; the first letter written on April 14, 1863, about troop movements…Last night a reconnaissance was sent out under Spinola across the river toward Washington…They have not yet returned… News has come from Washington. The 5th Rhode Island were successful in running the blockade. They were fired at and their vessel hit but no one was hurt. The gunboats kept up a fire on the batteries and distracted their attention… … I have been reading an article the April Atlantic called "A Spasm of Sense" which seems to me to be very entertaining and contains much sound advice .Provisions and ammunition reached General Foster with the 5th Rhode Island and with these he can hold Washington. So long as he has provisions and ammunition I do not believe that the enemy can take the place. I have no doubt that our friends in the 44th are safe. I should have heard if it were not so…There is a story this morning that General Foster has arrived in New Bern. I shall not have time to learn its truth before the mail leaves but I should not be surprised if it were true. Since the 5th Rhode Island succeeded in running the blockade it appears to me that our difficulties lessen but I can't comprehend why the naval men have magnified the power of the batteries so greatly.Good bye my dearest. I hope to hear soon that the children are convalescent. My love to them all. Affectionately and fondly yours, CRC (Colonel C R Codman); the second letter dated April 21st continues describing anticipation of future troop movements, etc; family matters, and so forth; the third letter dated June 20th, 1863, also contains war content and speaking of perhaps imminent mustering out, Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $280