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Raynors Spring Americana Auction - Feb 28 Par...

By Raynor's Historical Collectible Auctions

Feb 28, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-02-28 10:00:00 2026-02-28 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Raynors Spring Americana Auction - Feb 28 Part1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/raynors-historical-auctions/raynors-spring-americana-auction---feb-28-part1-22414
Fascinating Americana Auction offering item in all periods of American history., from colonial through WWII. The items are offered as Autographs, Broadsides, Civil Wat Relics, Civil War Diaries, Confederate items. Political, Presidential, 20th Century Israel, Early Sports. Raynor's Historical Collectible Auctions bob@hcaauctions.com

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• Lot Description
  The following FOURTEEN letters was written by a commissioned officer. He signed his name “George” and gave us few clues except that his letter suggests he was Baltimore, Maryland, and that he had a brother named “Gus”—probably Augustus. We know he was an officer because he mentions the possibility of tendering his resignation if the war did not end soon. After reviewing Census and Naval Records, I’m inclined to attribute this letter to George William Yoe who enlisted in May 1861 as a Landsman, but was commissioned an Acting 3rd Assistant Engineer as of 8 August 1863. His naval record suggests he may have served on two or three ships before being assigned to the Thomas Freeborn. The letters show occasional fold splits, and include;(1) Datelined: New Inlet, January 20, 1864, 4pp., In part, “We are now off Fort Fisher, laying at anchor waiting further orders. ...”(2) Datelined: U.S. Freeborn, Navy Yard, Washington, February 17, 1864, 4pp., in part, “I have not been out of our ship for the past week, for we are on sailing order and expect to leave at a moments warnings ... the only balls that I will see for a long time will be the rebel cannon balls. ...”(3) Datelined: U.S. Freeborn, Off Rappahannock River, April 27, 1864, 4pp. In part, “I was surprised to hear that you had your ‘fortune’ told by Mr. Dive, for I did not think that he would rngagr in so queer a business. ... I would not believe a ‘fortune teller’. ...”(4) Datelined: U.S. Freeborn, Potomack River, May 22, 1864, 4pp., In part, “ an accident happened on board of our vessel which might have been the death of all aboard. ... we started to go up to the city of Fredericksburg m.. we fairly got started when one of oue boiler busted and put a stop to the expedition... only a few men were seared ... I guess I walked over 30 miles over the countryside picking strawberrys ...”(5) Datelined: US Steamer Freeborn, Off Rappahannock Va., June 17, 1864, 4pp. In part “In my last letter I was telling you about some ladies that we had aboard ... you would have been more agreeable company for me, as they were rather stuck up. ... They are the simplest thing .. some are square boxes, others shaped like segars, holding50 to 200 pounds of powder and are about 6 or 8 feet under water and are made to go off something on the plan of a gun, that is when the vessel strikes them, they explode. ... Enclosed you will find a piece of the galvanic battery which led to the torpedo that blew the gunboat upon the James where about 50 people were killed ... “(6) Datelined: U.S. Freeborn, Fortress Monroe June, 23, 1864, 4pp., In part, “He wanted to persuade you to going in the marine corps ... My brother is home from the ‘wild west’ and appears to be disgusted withUncle Sam’s work ...”(7) Datelined: U.S. Freeborn, Off Rappahannock River, July 2, 1864, 7pp., In part, “When we came aboard, the Captain informed me and Peacock we were quarantined for ninety days, not allowed to go ashore I think if he keeps me aboard that length of time, he will be smarter than I am. I sent my resignation ... to the Navy department ... I am determine to get out ... before six weeks ...”(8) Datelined: U.S. Freeborn, Off Mary’s River, July 19, 1864, 8pp., In part, “One of our gunboats hauled us out ... we anchored on the Chesapeake ... I understand that we will be hauled uo to the Washington Navy yard. ...”(9) Datelined: U.S. Schnr A. Hugle, Alexandria, August 31, 1864, 4pp., In part, “I am still onboard the above vessel, laboring under the suspence as to what course the Navy Authority are going to take in my case. ...”(10) Datelined: U.S. Steamer Osceola, Gosport Navy Yard VA., Oct 8, 1864, 2pp. In part, “I have not heard the result of my court martial yet, but expect it anyday now. ... Tomorrow or the next day I will have to leave this ship as she is going to sea ....”(11) Datelined: US Steamer Cambridge, Norfolk Navy Yard, Va., Oct 20th, 1864, 2pp., In part, “... about the same as when I last wrote to you, excepting of having been transferred on 2 vessels since. On last Monday a week ago I left the Osceola and went on the steamer Eutaw where I sopped for 3 days and then came on this vessel ... I will take my glorious departure for Baltimore ..(12) Datelined: U.S. Schnr Vicksburg, Norfolk VA., Nov. 17th 1864, 5pp., In part, “I wonder if George is joking or in earnest about his engagement ....I sent in my resignation yesterday and hope to hear in a week or ten days. If they don’t take any notice of this one, I will send one ... I am afraid of some serious blunder, accidentally by blowing up the boilers, that I am afraid to trust myself ... therefore ask for a discharge. ...”(13) Datelined: U.S. US Steamer Vicksburg, Fort Monroe VA., Dec. 8th 1864, 3pp., in part, “We will be going away from here tomorrow morning and I thinkour destination is Wilmington NC. There is some talk of us going cruising after privates but I hardly think that there is any truth in that report. At least I hope not. ...”(14) Datelined: US Steamer Cambridge, Norfolk Navy Yard, Va., Oct 20th, 1864, 2pp., In part, “... about the same as when I last wrote to you, excepting of having been transferred on 2 vessels since. On last Monday a week ago I left the Osceola and went on the steamer Eutaw where I sopped for 3 days and then came on this vessel ... I will take my glorious departure for Baltimore ..”

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