1862 Civil War Letter ~Burnside Threatens to Shell Fredericksburg ~14th New York

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1862 Civil War Letter ~Burnside Threatens to Shell Fredericksburg ~14th New York:
$208.24

Offered here is a fascinating Civil War soldier letter written byCorporal Robert H. HubbelofCompany K, 14th New York Volunteers. The letter described the positions of the Confederates across the river in Fredericksburg and General Burnside\'s threat to fire on the town with artillery. It also lists the officers and NCOs of Hubbel\'s Company K, up through his regimental, brigade, division, corps, and army commanders. The letter reads:
Camp 6 miles fromFredericksburg Va Nov 24th [1862]
Dear Father and Mother,Yours of the 16th was received today and not knowing how soon we may move I take this opportunity to answer. You ask as to the Regimental Commander. We (Porters old corps) are under the command of Major General Hooker or as he more familiarly is known, fighting Joe Hooker, our Division is now commanded by Brigadier Genl. Butterfield acting as Division Guard and our Brigade by Brig Genl Griffin, formerly of the renowned Griffin\'s Battery of 1st Bull Run notoriety. and our Regt by Col Davis (acting) as Col McQuade is home sick. our Major is named Michael our Adjutant is named Manning, Quartermaster Broadhead, Capt of Co K, Seymour, 1st Lieut Ellis, 2d Lieut James T. Reynolds, son of Allen Reynolds of Hudson, 1st Sergt V. Whithead, 2nd S. Towner, 3d S. Firth, 4th Smith, 5th Brown, Corporals 1st Duffy, 2d myself, 3d Elmer, 4th Holsapper, 5th Smith, 6th Scofield, 7th Pridemore, 8th Mackey, our company musters about 78 men for duty. 32 for rations drawn in camp. 42 or 44 the company are in good health generally, the difference in the numbers is because of Teamsters and 2 or 3 extra duty men.
The rebels are at Fredericksburg. I cannot say as to their numbers but they are known to be throwing up earth works. I think it is not the intention of our Genls to cross the river here but below here. i have heard that Burnside is now commanding the Army of the Potomac. [Burnside] had given them two days to evacuate Fredericksburg before he would shell the town. Time will be up tomorrow at 10 o\'clock. There is no signs of our going into winter quarters and I think we will not. I myself take every thing very cool and only grumble to you as my position is such as will not allow of it but there is considerable of it. The weather is quite cold and it was storming. My health is very good and our overcoats are here. our knapsacks have not and probably never will come. just as well though as we could not carry them. we fold our Blankets in our shelter tents and carry them over our shoulder. More over it is thought we will be paid here. I want nothing but chewing Tobacco and that I have to skirmish for. in your next letter enclose one dollar the Postal currency as Hudson money is no go. I will answer sisters letter at a future time.
From your Affectionate SonR. A. Hubbel
also a few stamps as I have but the one you sent last I have lent some and it is hard to get them back as they trade them off for Tobacco etc.
The letter is written on three pages of large 8\" x 12 1/4\" bifolium stationery sheet.The paper is in excellent, sturdy condition, not stiff, and not particularly delicate. There are several creases at the locations of original folds along with acoupletiny holes where some of those creases meet. Very little wear to edges and corners.
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