Early-war Confederate manuscript letter written by Dr. Caspar C. Henkel, serving as an assistant surgeon in the 2nd Regiment of the 7th Brigade under Colonel Spittler, Army of Johnston. Dated July 10, 1861, from Camp Carson near Winchester, Virginia, the letter captures the tense buildup in the Shenandoah Valley during the opening months of the war, as Confederate forces anticipated imminent engagement following the occupation of Harpers Ferry and Federal movements in the region. The content provides a particularly valuable medical and logistical perspective, with Henkel urging family members to prepare large quantities of lint for bandages—“10, 15 or 20 lbs.”—in expectation of heavy casualties, while also noting that officers must supply their own provisions and requesting food items, illustrating the informal and often strained supply conditions of early Confederate service. Additional passages reference troop movements, camp organization, and the general condition of soldiers, offering a ground-level view of readiness just days before the First Battle of Bull Run. Accompanied by its original envelope bearing a Winchester, Virginia postmark (July 12), the grouping represents a well-preserved and historically significant example of Confederate medical correspondence from the critical pre-Manassas period, reflecting both the anticipation of combat and the realities of wartime preparation. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx Ground/Home Delivery within the continental U.S.: $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.

Well-worn but intact, showing folds, toning, and areas of light staining consistent with field use and mailing; handwriting remains legible, and the cover retains a clear postmark, contributing to its overall authenticity