The Former Band Soldier Was Wounded During Battle of Second Bull Run

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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
  Union soldier’s 4pp., letter with matching Patriotic cover, written by Willis A. Harding,who, in July 1861, enlisting in the regimental band as a 2nd Class Musician in the 24th New York Volunteers. This regiment was part of the famed Eastern Iron Brigade. In August 1862, when the regimental bands were discontinued by order of the War Department, Willis was transferred into Co. G as a private. Shortly thereafter, Willis was injured in the Battle of Second Bull Run, taking wounds in the chin, leg and ankle, and left on the battlefield in the hands of the enemy for several days. Finally he was exchanged under a flag of truce and taken to Carver Hospital in Washington D. C. where he recovers from his wound and mustered out of the regiment after nearly two years service on 29 May 1863 at Elmira, New York. Datelined; Upton’s Hill, Va., December 22d 1861, in part “The band are having an easy time—nothing to do; having sold our old instruments and the new ones not arrived up to today, though the Colonel said we should have them this week. ... Well, we finished up last eve with an old fashioned sing, finished because no girls to go home with. Might adopt a similar plan to S. C. girls but don’t think we could substitute as well for I think my sub in S. C. a very good one. The band boys seemed to feel pretty well & look well. Jim Polk and I stood out last eve talking about Hyme’s actions, religious matters, and things in general. We stood some time and began to feel chilly and said most too cold to stand here. ... I went as far as the Brigade Hospital with the boys today, found the Murry boy (sick) about the same. The one with cut hand doing well. Jim Barless was up and looking much better than when I saw him last. A fellow in Capt. Barney’s company (K) and sergeant named Charles Hawley died there last night & his body sent to Washington today for embalming & to be sent home. Had fever at first, then quick consumption. ... Tis sad to contemplate the condition of our beloved country, the horrors & evils of war, the separation of friends and many forever on earth. Tis a picture, when viewed, which tends to make one solemn. ... I witnessed the trial of a Fort throwing shot & shell this week. Saw them burst, the dirt, &c. flying. Also witnessed the sham fight by our Division at Bailey’s Crossroads. Stood on Munson’s Hill & saw the whole performance—rattle of musketry, roar of cannon and charge of cavalry—all making a grand sight. The latter, however, the most splendid. Some of the rides unhorsed, one hurt badly. ...”
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