Two letters in pencil from H. B. Owen to his sister, Addie S. Daniel, each one page both sides, July 12 and 26, 1863. The first, in part: “We turned into tent and after a refreshing sleep that stiffened the necks and limbs of all of us we were waked up this morning half past 2 and after receiving our rations for two days (consisting of hard tack and cracklin speck) we loaded our all (a Musket, Cartridge Box, Cap Box, Canteen, Haversack and tent) on our backs and were marched here-a distance of 11 miles. Imagine Wills with 40 pounds of baggage on his back…Our camp is in a beautiful field of clover where no troops have camped before and water plenty. Soldiers have eyes and they have not failed to admire the beautiful valley through which they have been marched and rode through since they left Harrisburg. In our camp are four Regiments but not near us…We are put with a brigade and will be marched further tomorrow. We heard all sorts of reports from the front but I suppose you hear quite as quick as we what is going on. Our men are in good spirits, and eager to go forward to victory but not to death. This is Sunday but Sunday comes not in war.” The second, in part: “Today a party of us started out to see the Potomac at Williamsport—distant about 4 miles. The walk paid or did not according as the person is interested with curiosity seeking or not. The road to there is lined with the remains of dead males and horses, and the whole country from here to there must have been one vast camp, as is evidenced by the still standing tent poles. The debris of a camp consisting of old clothes, tents, accouterments of all kinds and even guns are scattered in all directions. In the river is the scraped remains of weapons. Williamsport is a poor miserable town, much hurt no doubt by the war, but still the decay of the place must date further back. The rebels have torn up the canal here and partly destroyed a fine viaduct over the mouth of a creek emptying into the Potomac.” In overall very good condition, with intersecting folds and scattered marks. Accompanied by both original mailing envelopes. RR Auction COA.
