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THBSergeant Thomas H. Mason, 56th New York Volunteers, Civil War Archive
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
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About Auction
LiveJun 13, 2014 - Jun 14, 2014
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
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- Lot Description
Lot of 8 letters, plus 4 envelopes, from Thomas H. Mason to his daughter Ann Divine. January – August, 1862. Accompanied by an 1861 medical advisory, To those afflicted with Diseases of the Eye and Ear, and 10 post-war pieces of correspondence with Ms. Divine.
Thomas H. Mason was born in England ca 1817 (perhaps earlier). He lived in Fallsburg, Sullivan County, NY, working as a tailor. On August 17, 1861, Mason enlisted for a three year assignment with Company I, New York 56th Infantry at Monticello, NY. He began as a 7th Sergeant and was promoted to 3rd Sergeant. He fought in the Peninsula Campaign, in the Seven Days, but became ill during the campaign. Mason’s condition worsened to the point that he was discharged for disability September 16, 1862. He died in Fallsburg shortly thereafter on October 27, 1862.
The New York 56th was organized at Newburgh, NY, including men from Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. It was mustered into service October 28, 1861 for three years. The infantry’s initial assignment was the defense of Washington, DC, but in March 1862 it became part of the Peninsula Campaign. The 56th participated at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Savage Station, Bottom's Bridge, Fair Oaks, and Malvern Hill, then moved on to South Carolina after the Peninsula and remained there for the remainder of the war.
The correspondence contains a number of interesting passages including:
On March 16, 1862, Mason wrote: We have got marching orders but to [where we} are going I do not know but I think it will be to Fortress Monroe to join the Burnside expedition…When we get to our place of destination, I [will] write you again. But even as the war was beginning to intensify, parental concerns were still paramount, I want you to tell Hatty that she must not keep company with that Fitzjerls [sp] nor have any correspondence with him…nor go out at nights.
On July 30, 1862, Mason wrote to his daughter: I am not very well at present for I have got a looseness of the Bowels caused no [doubt] with the warmness of the weather…we are encamped …close to the river; so close that I go every morning to wash and to get my canteen with water.
In the second half of August 1862, he wrote that Union forces had retreated through a long march and that all his belongings had been “spoiled” in his knapsack, nonetheless they are encamped on York Town Plains with a fine view of the River with plenty of Clams and Oysters and fresh fish and a fine [wholesome sea breeze]. I go on the banks of the river every morning before the sun is up to see it rise out of the sea…then I think of you my children…and the country in peace. It was not long thereafter that he would return home to his wife and children for the final days of his life.
All letters are handwritten in ink. Paper is of various sizes. All letters are written on a single sheet but may contain two to four pages (if folded). They are in very good condition.Condition
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