Lyman enlisted in June 1861 as a Private and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in November of that year.  He was discharged due to disability in November 1862.  According to the American Civil War Database, he appears to have returned to service in the 5^th Pennsylvania Cavalry in 1864.

Letter 1:  A four-page letter (1 sheet) written to his parents from Camp Washington, July 7^th, 1861.  Lyman announces the arrival of his company’s muskets, with uniforms due to arrive soon.  Comes with a patriotic envelope addressed to his father.  Minor ink staining, writing is bold and legible.

Letter 2:  A four-page letter (1 sheet) with a bold printing of the U.S. Capitol on the letter head.  Lyman wrote on September 8^th, 1861 from Camp Tonnally to his parents.  He reports seeing “rebel entrenchments” from the dome of the capitol building, being able to observe “the secession flag” through a glass.  Includes a patriotic envelope addressed to his father.  Medium ink color, writing is legible; scattered water stains.

Letter 3:  A four-page letter (1 sheet) written to his sister from Alexandria, March 6^th, 1862.  The pressing news for home was expectation of a troop movement to Manassas, by either by rail or water.  Lyman described in detail visiting an Episcopal church in Alexandria where George Washington had attended services and also the arrival of his new regimental chaplain.  Ink is bold and legible, comes with a patriotic envelope.

Letter 4:  A six-page letter (2 sheets) written to his family from Alexandria on March 19^th, 1862.  Lyman wrote about a march south of Washington in dire weather, his rations, plans to move to Aquia Creek, and requesting a pass from General Meade to visit Washington (which was refused at first but later approved).  Lyman also described his visit to the Marshall House where Colonel Elmer Ellsworth was killed.  Ink is light and there are scattered water stains

Letter 5:  A four-page letter (1 sheet), written from Alexandria, VA on March 23^rd, 1862.  Lyman wrote to his “Dear Folks at Home,” about his family, adventures in Alexandria and preparing for offensive operations in southern Virginia.  Ink is light but legible, Minor ink and water staining on paper.

The 32^nd PA served in the Army of the Potomac as a three-year unit, with the Regiment assigned to the I Corps in early 1862, followed by the V Corps (June-August 1862) and the III Corps (August-September 1862) and finally returning to the I Corps from September 1862-January 1863.   The Regiment fought in the Seven Days campaign, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg.  The 32^nd is honored with a monument at Antietam, with the inscription: “Arriving on the field on the afternoon of September 16th, Lieut. Col. John Clark. Comd’g. the Regiment immediately deployed eight companies as skirmishers.  When the 2nd Brigade advanced on the morning of September 17th, the Regiment fell into line, and 600 yards South of this point became engaged with Hood’s Confederate Division.  Number engaged about 200.  Casualties at Antietam Killed 12, Wounded 34,  Total 46.”

An excellent opportunity to own five well-written primary source letters from a distinguished Army of the Potomac unit!  [JC]

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