1864 Civil War Soldier Letter with Hand-Drawn Map - Monkton Maryland - Guarding the Northern Central Railroad - 'Chicken Raid' Incident
HAND-DRAWN MAP OF MONKTON, MD — UNION SOLDIER DESCRIBES GUARDING THE NORTHERN CENTRAL RAILROAD AND A CHAOTIC ‘CHICKEN RAID’ DURING THE FINAL YEAR OF THE CIVIL WAR.
An original Civil War manuscript letter dated September 14, 1864, written by a Union soldier stationed in Monkton, Maryland. The letter features a remarkable hand-drawn map of the town and military outposts, documenting the regiment's duty guarding the vital Northern Central Railroad bridges and a humorous incident involving a 'liberated' flock of chickens.
Key Features:
+++ Visuals: The final page features a detailed pen-and-ink hand-drawn map of Monkton, MD. It identifies the ‘Northern Central Rail,’ ‘River’ (Gunpowder Falls), ‘Covered Bridge,’ ‘Hotel,’ and ‘Our House’ (Barracks).
+++ Content: The soldier details life on guard duty at the 'Covered Bridge,' building a brick stove for warmth, and sleeping on straw. He recounts a a vivid and informal account of an improvised 'chicken raid' following a rail stop, illustrating camp life, food scarcity, and soldierly opportunism late in the war. where a train passed carrying chickens; eight chickens "got off" (escaped or were pulled off), leading to a chaotic chase by the soldiers and the Captain to secure 'soup for dinner.' [Full transcription available]
+++ Postal History: Includes the original envelope addressed to Mrs. W.P. Kimball in Wenham, Mass, featuring a 3-cent George Washington stamp (1861 issue) and a Monkton, MD postmark.
The envelope features a 3-cent George Washington stamp (1861 Issue) tied by a Monkton MD postmark. Please Note: A previous owner noted this as a 'Scott #64' on the protective sleeve; however, it has not been expertized and is sold as the more common Scott #65 Rose variety. We leave the final determination of the shade to the buyer.
+++ Transcription: A previous owner has handwritten the letter onto one page in attractive cursive. We also has a typed transcript available.
Physical Specs:
+++ Date: September 14, 1864
+++ Dimensions: Standard bi-fold letter sheet (approx. 5x8 inches folded); Envelope included.
+++ Format: Handwritten ink on period writing paper.
Condition: Very Good - The handwriting is legible and ink remains dark. Paper shows standard age-toning and fold lines consistent with mailing. The map is clean and sharp.
This letter offers a specific window into the defense of the Northern Central Railroad (NCR), a critical supply line for the Union Army connecting Baltimore to Harrisburg. In 1864, regiments like the 8th Massachusetts Infantry were stationed along this line to protect bridges from Confederate raiders (Gilmor’s Raid had struck this area just months prior in July 1864).
The mention of the 'Covered Bridge' at Monkton is historically significant, as this was a key infrastructure point. The soldier's map provides a rare, first-hand topographical view of the encampment layout relative to the rail line.
Keywords: Civil War Letter, Monkton MD, Northern Central Railroad, Hand Drawn Map, Soldier Art, 8th Massachusetts Infantry, Wenham MA, Covered Bridge, Military Correspondence, 1864.
Item #21451
Price: $650.00
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