Civil War Letter from James H. Collins, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, Died at Andersonville / SOLD

Letter from James H. Collins to his friend Mark, written from Manassas Junction on July 13, 1862. Collins enlisted in November 1861 as a private in the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry. Collins writes about the reaction in the regiment to the appointment of Frenchman Alfred Napoleon Alexander Duffie to colonel, and that the lieutenant colonel and two majors “would not be under a Frenchman” and resigned their commissions. The officers and men came to like Duffie, as he was a well drilled officer and “the regiment is going on right smart now I recon.” Collins writes that the regiment had a review for Governor Sprague and were treated to a dinner of mutton, salmon, green peas and potatoes and enjoyed music from a marching band. He writes that they were then called to action and beat the rebels “all to nothing, we had a nice old time.” Collins was captured while on picket duty at Warrenton, Virginia in November 1863, and died as a prisoner at Andersonville in April 1865. The letter comes with the original orange envelope addressed to Boston, Massachusetts. A wonderful Civil War cavalry letter with great content. 

James H. Collins - Enlisted on 11/3/1861 at Providence, RI as a Private. On 11/30/1861 he mustered into "A" Co. RI 1st Cavalry. He died a POW on 4/16/1865 at Andersonville, GA. He was listed as: Detached 4/15/1863 Dumfries, VA.  Detached 5/15/1863 Potomac Creek, VA.. Detached 6/15/1863 Hospital (As nurse).* POW 11/13/1863 Warrenton, VA. Intra Regimental Company Transfers: 1/1/1865 from company A to company D (Probably never served with Co D). Roll of Honor Information: Date of Death listed as 4/16/1865. He was buried at: Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, GA (Grave #12832)

*To purchase this item directly with a credit card, please click on this link.

Inventory Number: DOC 263 / SOLD