Description
Lot of 6 letters written by Calvin Andrews to his wife Nettie from Fort Sumner late in the war. Calvin would initially muster with the 12th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in September, 1862. That November, Calvin would be left behind at a hospital in Virginia with lung problems as the regiment moved to Falmouth. He would remain in the hospital until receiving a medical discharge in January of 1863. During the fall of 1864, Calvin would enlist once more. This time the 1st New Hampshire Heavy Artillery. The regiment would be sent to the defense of Washington with Calvin spending his service performing garrison duty at Fort Sumner. These 6 letters are all written from that location with the first starting on March 8, 1865. The last letter written on May 25, 1865. The letters are all composed on the same red and blue bordered stationary. Most of the content is regarding Calvin’s desire to return home to see his wife and children, camp life and his ill health. One letter dated April 10th, speaks of Calvin’s excitement over the news that Lee had unconditionally surrendered. Another letter mentions the news that Jefferson Davis had been captured with Calvin exclaiming that he hopes they hang him! All are in excellent shape with each letter transcribed. A piece of iron is also included which is supposed to have come from the fire place located at Fort Sumner. What it actually went to I have no idea but you can see that it was exposed to heat for a lengthy period of time. This does come with Calvin’s service records also.
