Pertaining to Musician First Class William A. Parker, 1st Regiment Delaware Volunteer Infantry. By the time Parker was mustered out of service on July 12, 1865, his regiment had participated in all of the Army of the Potomac's major engagements from Sharpsburg to Appomattox. This well-written archive, spanning the early war period of June 28, 1861 through August 25, 1862, consists of (15) letters and a 23-page octavo diary. Many sheets are on patriotic stationery, variously depicting Winfield Scott, Elmer Ellsworth, an eagle with flag or a Union sailor. Also included is a partially printed 1863 receipt from a Wilmington dry goods emporium. The 1861 letters generally tell of camp life, however the 1862 material gets down to the business of serious war as the events at Hampton Roads, Virginia unfolded. The letters read in very small part: "(March 11) ...Suppose for instance the Monitor had not been in existence...the Minnesota would have been destroyed on Sunday. Newport News would in all probability have fallen...(March 13)...The lesson taught the Merrimac on Sunday morning last seems to have altered her conduct as she has not been seen since...If I look at things in a proper light they are completely whipped in the west and their grand army of the Potomac is in full retreat looks rather hopeless...(May 11)...A fire was seen burning off Craney Island before day this morning. About day a heavy explosion was heard in the direction of the fire. I suppose and it is generally believed to be the Merrimac..."

Complete transcriptions of the letters and diary are included.

Clean and sound; lightly toned paper with trivial stains; overall very good condition.

$300 - 600