Manuscript Letter from James Henry Rikert to Celia Gibson.

One folded sheet, two pages of text, illustrated red and blue lettersheet depicting George B. McClellan, with slogan , "WE HAVE BEAT OUR LAST RETREAT," includes matching postally canceled envelope. Minor folds, one small hole at center fold, not affecting text, normal aging and toning. Overall in very good condition. James Rikert, who enlisted in 1861, was discharged in 1862 for disability. He joined as a 21 year old private at Fort Wayne, Michigan, and mustered into Company G of the MI 5th Infantry. He sent this letter to Celia Gibson as a follow-up to a letter he sent a week earlier concerning their march on Manassas. He reports heavy rains that postponed the march, but expects to march the next day. While he mentions his sadness at the loss of his grandmother, he makes a point of telling Celia this could be his last letter. "This may be the last letter perhaps that you will ever get from me, but if I live through the battle you will son hear from me again and if not you will know that I have gone to my lovely home and that I died as a Christian." Historical Data Systems (Civil War Research and Genealogy Database).