Autograph letter by Tho[ma]s Lucas, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, to his wife Letty. Camp Reynolds (?), 2 October 1861. 4 pages, 8vo, on illustrated "United States Capitol" letterhead. Frame measures 12 3/4 x 10 3/4 in.

A fascinating Bucktails letter written by Thomas Lucas. The "Tom Kincaid...in the Buck Tail Regt" alluded to by Lucas is Thomas H. Kincaid (alt. Kincade, ca 1840-1878), who enlisted with the Bucktails Company D, the "Raftsman's Guard", on 29th May 1861. 

The Bucktails, officially designated the 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry but also known as the 13th Pennsylvania Reserves, the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, or the Kane Rifles, saw heavy action throughout the Eastern Theater and are renowned for their role at Gettysburg. Kincaid was wounded in the leg at the Second Battle of Bull Run and was subsequently discharged. He worked as a sutler through the end of the war before becoming a prospector.

Thomas Lucas (1836-1926) mustered into Company F of the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry as a corporal on 16 August 1861. The 1st Pennsylvania were likewise well fought in the Eastern Theater, participating in several of the war's major battles. Lucas was promoted to sergeant, then 1st lieutenant by August 1862, and, despite being wounded in action at Brandy Station, mustered out with the Company on 9 September 1864. In this letter to his wife, Letty, he opts to write little of camp life, instead focusing on domestic affairs. 

An excellent Pennsylvania letter with Bucktail content. 

WITH Minié Ball lodged in wood from Battle of Cold Harbor. Approx. 1 7/8 x 1 15/16 x 1 1/16 in.

A small but highly displayable piece that sits flat on 2 of its faces perpendicular to the bullet. Recovered from the Cold Harbor battlefield. One of the final battles of Grant's Overland Campaign, the Battle of Cold Harbor saw thousands of casualties.

ALSO WITH Standard-issued Civil War infantryman’s belt and buckle.

The leather is flexible; the belt plate is missing its hook, but is secured to the belt by its two studs.

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