Penned by Sergeant James W. Bartlett, Co. "A," 35th Massachusetts Infantry, both octavo, signed "James" and retaining their original postal covers, each with an Old Point Comfort, VA cds and addressed to Salisbury, Massachusetts. The first letter, February 28, 1863, is to Mrs. Bartlett, reading, in part, "...I have been disappointed in the way the war has been conducted and believe it is not the fault of the soldier that it was not ended long ago..."; the second letter, March 21, 1863, is to his sister, reads, in part: "...a soldier does not know where he will be from one day to another, he is supposed to be ready to move at all times...." James Bartlett would be mortally wounded at Spotsylvania C.H. the following year.

Private Collection of a Gentleman, Southern MS

Light stains with soiling; overall good condition.