American Historical Ephemera and Photography

BRADLEE, Samuel J. Autograph letter signed (“1st Lieut. Samuel J. Bradlee”) to his sister while serving with the 14th Massachusetts Battery. “Mass Battery 9 A.C. Camp Near Petersburg, Va,” 23 July 1864. 3pp, 5 x 8 in. (creasing at folds, light toning, penciled notation on 4th page). On illustrated lettersheet featuring an engraved design of Lincoln and Hamlin in black, a common first campaign type which was converted into a patriotic lettersheet by the addition of General Winfield Scott's portrait with patriotic symbols in red and blue. A rare composite type known only on lettersheets. Milgram AL-101A.

Bradlee writes regarding the fate of his friend and his situation at Petersburg: “I do not know what has become of George Downing, all I do know he was missing from the battery soon after the march to Coal or Cold Harbor. I think the Rebels have got him in Richmond – Tell his mother from me, not to be alarmed about him…give my best and kindest sympathy to Mrs. Downing and tell her I will do all in my power to find out about her son….” Bradlee goes on to describe his position before Petersburg, writing while “Minnie Balls whistle, and shells shriek and hiss” around him.

HDS indicates that Samuel J. Bradlee of Boston was a 29-year-old broker when he enlisted on 8/16/1862 as a Sergeant. On 9/9/1862, he mustered into Massachusetts 10th Light Artillery. He was discharged for promotion on 12/2/1863. On 1/4/1864, he was commissioned into Unassigned Massachusetts 3rd Heavy Artillery. He was discharged for promotion on 1/23/1864. On 2/27/1864, he was commissioned into Massachusetts 14th Light Artillery. He resigned on 1/14/1865. He was listed as wounded 8/21/1864 Petersburg, VA, just one month after this letter.

HDS indicates that George Downing, also from Boston, enlisted at 18 as a bugler on 11/17/1863 and mustered into "A" Co. Massachusetts 4th cavalry. He was discharged on 12/19/1864 and on 3/29/1864, he mustered into the Massachusetts 14th Light Artillery alongside Bradlee. Downing was captured by Confederate forces and died of disease while a POW at Andersonville, GA. He was listed as POW 5/23/1864 North Anna River, VA. Buried: Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, GA. Gravesite: 3059. Date of Death listed a 7/9/1864.

[With:] Letter on Lincoln-Hamlin campaign stationery, ca 1860, featuring at center a conjoined jugate image of Lincoln and Hamlin in shield. Milgram AL-94.