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THE CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL SALE continued...

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USS Monitor: [John A. Dahlgren] American naval officer, considered the father of modern naval ordnance (1809-70); during the Civil War, commanded the Washington Naval Yard and the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron; devised the powerful naval cannons known as Dahlgren guns. Choice content Manuscript Telegram in the hand of a clerk at Adams Express in Baltimore, 1 page, 8vo, March 16, 1862. Dahlgren asks a US naval agent, "Did the Seven boxes for the Monitor at Hampton Roads go by last nights Boat. About 20 more, weighing about 3500# will be sent by to-days express - Please be sure that they go by the boat this evening." With pencil notes by a clerk dating the note and working out the message, which was received "9:40 am." Spindle hole repaired on verso with Scotch tape. Edge soiling and toning, otherwise VG. The Monitor had been lightly damaged in the Battle of Hampton Roads a week earlier. (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $400.00
Will close during Public Auction

USS Monitor: John Ericsson Swedish-born engineer and inventor (1803-89); designed the ironclad USS Monitor, and revolutionized sea travel with his caloric engine and perfection of the screw propeller. Interesting Autograph Letter Signed "J. Ericsson," 1 page, 4to, New York, August 3, 1852. He writes to journalist and lawyer John O. Sargent, "You asked me last night to state candidly my opinion in regard to Mr. James Flagg's fitness to take the lamented Mr. Dawning's place - Mr. Flagg is eminently qualified to fill the situation - He is a skilful [sic]agricultural chemist, a botanist of considerable acquirements, intimately acquainted with English ornamental gardening, a very neat architectural & mechanical draughtsman and designs with much facility & taste - I may add that Mr. Flagg is quite an educated man and possesses much useful & varied information..." Old catalogue description pasted to head of letter in blank margin; lightly age-toned, with edge and fold wear including minor splits at left edge, otherwise in good condition. In 1842, Sargent had published a lecture he'd given at the Boston Lyceum on naval improvements, specifically Ericsson's caloric engine. With ALS "J. Ericsson," 1 page, 8vo, no place, "Thursday morning" [March 1857]. Writing to shipping entrepreneur John B. Kitching, he pens "If you can spare time give me a call to day, between 3 & 5 o'clock, you will see something in the caloric line that will please you..." Age-toned, stained, otherwise good. Kitching must have been very pleased, for he became principal owner of the Ericsson, a transatlantic passenger steamer, and would run an agency in New York that sold caloric engines. [2] (imagea) (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

USS Monitor: Samuel Dana Greene American naval officer (1839-1884); volunteered to serve on the USS Monitor and remained in that post until she foundered off Cape Hatteras; as executive officer, he relieved Capt. John L. Worden when he was injured by shrapnel during the Battle of Hampton Roads. Exceedingly rare Autograph Letter Signed "Dana," 3-1/3 pages, 8vo, written aboard the "Monitor / Sunday / May 4th, 1862." He writes his father, Gen. George S. "Pap" Greene, "I am rejoiced…to hear of your appointment of Brig. General…Yorktown[VA] has been evacuated by the Rebels, and [Union commander in chief General George B.] McClellan is pursuing them in hot haste with his light artillery and cavalry…The Merrimac [CSS Virginia, which the Monitor had famously battled two months earlier] made her appearance this afternoon, but did not venture below Crany Island. She was apparently on a pleasure trip, as we thought we could discover several ladies on board with our glasses. We expect her down every pleasant day, but she appears to have a wholesome fear of us…Our pilot house has been completed, and now we think our craft invulnerable at every point…Capt. Worden is able to see from both of his eyes, and will probably be able to leave for New York in a week…" Minor fold wear and soiling, with later presentation note after close, overall VG. With several pages of choice background material, and three reproduction photographs, one showing the Monitor's dented turret, and another of Greene with other crew members. Young Lt. Samuel Greene was executive officer aboard the USS Monitor when she faced off against the much larger Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia at Hampton Roads, VA on March 9, 1862. The Monitor was charged with protecting damaged ships from the previously unstoppable Virginia, and succeeded in her task. However, neither of the ironclads was able to pierce the other's armor, leading to a stalemate despite four hours of battle. Late in the fight, a Confederate shell exploded outside the Monitor's pilot house, blinding her commander, Capt. John L. Worden. Lt. Greene succeeded to command and returned the ship to action, but the Virginia, thinking the Yankees had withdrawn, had begun to steam away. Greene ordered some shots fired, but remembering his vessel's orders to protect the Union's wounded ships, called off pursuit. He took the enemy's departure for a retreat, leaving both sides to believe they had won! The Virginia's "pleasure trips" would not go on much longer. Four days after this letter, she would threaten the Monitor and four other ships as they fired on a Confederate fort, but no battle ensued. On May 11, Southern forces evacuated and the Virginia, with too much draft to go upriver, was scuttled. The Monitor would founder off North Carolina later in the year. This is the only letter we know of by Greene while aboard the Monitor to have ever come on the market. (imagea) (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

USS Monitor: John L. Worden American naval officer (1818-97); commanded the USS Monitor in the first great battle of ironclad warships at Hampton Roads, and was temporarily blinded by a Confederate shell; after the war, was superintendent of the US Naval Academy and served in the US European squadron. Brief but exceptional Autograph Letter signed "John L. Worden / Rear Adml.," 1/2 page, 8vo, New York, September 16, 1890. He writes publisher EB Treat, "I hand you with this the history of the first Monitor which will add some facts to those already published, with additional items of my biography to date." Enclosure not present. Tape traces at edges, fold wear, otherwise VG. With period carte-de-visite engraving and reproduction photograph of Worden. Most likely Worden's outline was intended to enrich Treat's National Hand-Book of American Progress, as the publisher does not seem to have brought out a history of the Monitor. (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $260.00
Will close during Public Auction

USS Monitor: Soldier's Letter Choice content ALS by Jonathan Clayton of the 104 Pennsylvania Volunteers, 3 pages, 8vo, Newport News, VA, April 6, 1862. He writes his brother Enos in Montgomery County, PA, about preparations to advance on Yorktown: "We have five days cooked rations on hand, and have had orders to hold ourselves in readiness to go at any moment...There is hard fighting going on at Yorktown...To day at noon the eleventh Maine Regiment...and all the Pioneers of our Brigade, took up the line...I suppose for Yorktown...I forgot to tell you about seeing the Monitor, the vessel that wipped the Rebel Merimac, which sunk two of our vessels [the USS Cumberland and USS Congress] some time back. All that you can see of her, above water is a concern in the shape of a chease box, about ten or twelve feet in Diamiter, which her guns works in. There was one man standing on her with a glass, who appeared to be waching the mouth of the James river..." With original envelope. Age-toned, otherwise VG. The 104th would see action throughout the Peninsula Campaign, fighting at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Pines, before Richmond, and at White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill. (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $170.00
Will close during Public Auction

Peninsula Campaign: Union Soldier's Letter - Great content lengthy ALS by Elliott L. Dann of the 12th New York Infantry, ""Camp Before Yorktown, VA,"" May 2-5, 1862. He tells his sister that "the Secesh is getting pretty mad...They make the shot & shell fly...so near...that we can hear the humming of the broken fragments as they fly off." He relates how a 32-pound shell bounced inches from a friend's head. When he goes to see where it happened, "hum through the air come a sound which I well knew...Pa always said that the Secesh would have my head off before I would have time to make a move," but he hit the dirt and "scarce a second had elapsed before a crash like thunder...within 10 feet of us sending the pieces in every direction literaly covering us with dirt...Providence interposed...while others who were in aperent security wer either killed or maimed...Whilst none of this Regt have been killed by shot or shell, several have died in camp..." He continues on the 5th: "Every thing has been busy & excited all day Saturday [May 3] & all night the Secesh fired as if they ment to Anihilate the whole Union Army but in reality doing but very little damage...The next morning the Baloon went up & soon come down with the dglad news that Yorktown was evacuated by the Rebles...If you could have heard the loud long cheers that sounded...over the Plains of Yorktown, over the same fields that 85 years ago echoed with the notes of Victory of the galant troops of Washington, Green, La Fayett & Rochambeau...The bands...struck up & everything seemed changed...All were anxious to persue the flying rebles...& not leave them until all wer taken prisoners or dispersed & thus by one mighty blow end a war that might otherwise linger along for two or three months, but MCleland [George B. McClellan]knows best...Times will show...Today the report of canon is heard in the direction that the Secesh took, toward Norfolk...I think the OLD DIRTY DOZEN has seen the last of the Secesh & before the Summer is out I think they will be home..." With much more detail and personal content. Some stiffness at folds, the usual minor soiling, but VG. Dann's expectations of a short war were common among soldiers, as was his faith in Gen McClellan. The "Dirty Dozen" would soon see hard fighting in the Seven Days' battles. (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $150.00
Will close during Public Auction

Hanover Court House: Berdan's Sharpshooters Choice ALS by Richard B. Blodgett of Company G, 1st US (Berdan's) Sharp Shooters, 6 pages, 8vo, ""Camp - 7 miles from Richmond,"" May 31, 1862. He tells his parents in Wisconsin, "Last Tuesday [May 27] we went out on the front for the purpose of burning a railroad bridge but came up with a large body of rebels near Hanover court house. After a severe fight from 2 o'clock in the afternoon till sundown we succeeded in driving the rebels with great loss. When we first came up we acted as a reserve for the 25th NY and also to support our battery. We were in a small hollow and the rebels were in a clover field about 60 rods from us and the 25th NY were deployed as skirmishers in a piece of woods...The rebels fired at us with grape and cannister and a number were hurt. Corpl Richardson of our Co. had a finger shot off and finaly we were moved out of this place and went to the woods...and went on nearly a mile beyond the 25th to pick up prisoners for while we were moving to the wood a charge had been made and the rebels put to flight...We went near some timber and rested while the Cavalry went in pursuit...We began to hear pretty heavy firing on our left and pretty soon General [George W.] Morell ordered us forward with his brigade and we went down in a hurry. When we got thare our Co was deployed as skirmishers...At the same time the 9th Mass charged through them and drove the rebels out into an open field...While charging through the woods our boys got broke up and rebels had formed in line of battle and advanced on us. The boys formed in line while doing so the rebels fired a number of volleys but the line was formed and [Capt. Charles] Griffins Battery fired a number of shells in the rebel ranks. The 9th Mass charged, away went the rebels...and left the field in our possession...I have heard a rumor [Gen Nathaniel P.] Banks had been defeated and Foreign powers are going to interfere...I do wish this war would close then I want to fight old England...I guess the pressident would like to give Johnny a sound old whipping..." Fold and edge wear, with one tape repair at a fold edge, toning, but VG. With original envelope in fair condition. Gen. Banks had indeed been defeated at the First Battle of Winchester, but of course no foreign power intervened in the war. Just weeks after this letter, Blodgett was captured at Mechanicsville and imprisoned in Richmond, where he would take ill and die in July. (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $850.00
Will close during Public Auction

Shiloh: Soldier's Letter Remarkable content letter by Jacob M. Porter of the 8th Ohio Light Artillery, 4 pages, 4to, Pittsburg Landing, TN, April 14, 1862. He writes to his brother in detail about the Battle of Shiloh on April 6-7: ""General Grant ordered us in camp 8 miles a bove Town [Savannah, TN]at which place we have bin ever since. I am happy to inform you that the 8th Battery did good Sirvice in this Battle with out the soll of a single man. We were attacked By the Enimy on Sabbath morning the 6th By a force of Sixty Thousand Strong. We having a bout one hundred and sixty thousand. But they took us on supprise and came into our camp when we least Expicted them so our men wer so scairid and completely panick stricken that they wer compelled to retreat back several miles before they made a stand. The Rebbels fought like tigers, the hole time...They fought all day with out ceasing 10 minutes until late in the Evening at which time the rebbels wer compelled to retreat back. Our Battery was in the fight when they made one of there most galent charges, attempting to drive us in the Tennessee Rivver, or take us all prisinors, that they found it a litle too heavy, For the artilery all had good positions and as they came up we just mowed them down. I was told afterwards by one of the prisiners that they lost more men on that one charge than they lost the whole day. The battle continued nearly two days before we cleaned them out. The battle was fought in our own camp. It is pronounced by all the Generals as being the hardest Fought Battle that was Ever fought in America. The loss was reported...on the Rebbels side wounded and killed Eleven thousand; on Ours killed and wounded 7 thousand [actually about 13,000]. The Rebbels the second day numberred a bout two hundred thousand [actually 40,000]. We being Reinforced by Buel [Gen. Don Carlos Buell] is all that saved our bacons, or else they would have whipped us...Lieut. Cornel Kyle [actually Lieutenant Barton Kyle] of the 71st Ohio he fell in the Early part of the action By a ball passing through is lungs. Cornel Masson of that Regiment run...The most horrible scene that any mortal being Ever witnessed is the battle fields, to hear the pleadings of the wounded and the groans of the dying, and then those that have been toren to peices by shells and cannonballs. I volinteered my sirvises one whole day in hauling the Dead and wounded from the field. Some places they lay as thick as Crosstyes...They would dig a hole a bout 3 feet deep and as long as they wished it, and place them with there face down. Some time put 1 or twoWaggonloads in each place...General Ulery was mortalery wounded yester day" while throwing down a pile of muskets, one of which went off. Some very light foxing, wear at folds, VG. The 71st Ohio under Col. Mason was later accused of cowardice, though its high casualties suggest it first took on the enemy. Shiloh was indeed the bloodiest battle in American history up to that point, and was a sobering indication to both sides that the war would be long and hard. It also initiated the military partnership between Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman that would ultimately win the war for the Union. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $1,100.00
Will close during Public Auction

Shiloh: Survivor's Badge Choice one-sided gold-colored metal canteen-shaped Badge held by two chains to a pin-back shaped like a log that bears the legend "SHILOH" between two stars. Also dangling from the pin bar is a pendant shaped as a can of coffee. The badge reads "The National Association of Battle of Shiloh Survivors" and has a raised center with a depiction of the battle. Flat back with mark of the manufacturer, Whitehead and Hoag of Newark, NJ. With card asserting the importance of having a memento of a reunion. With related newspaper clipping and remnants of box in which the badge no doubt was issued. Some minor staining, but in VF condition. If the clipping is any indication, this was from the 1922 reunion of Shiloh survivors. From The Joe C. Copeland Collection (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $475.00
Will close during Public Auction

Cumberland Gap: Soldier's Diary Great content Soldier's Diary belonging to Cpl. James W. Sawyer of the Wisconsin 1st Light Artillery, 12mo, July-September 1862. Sawyer's broad duties include helping his captain prepare rolls, foraging with cavalry, tending to horses, standing guard, manning artillery in battle, and maintaining the guns. He is part of Gen. George W. Morgan's forces in Cumberland Gap at the union of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee, where they attempt to hold the strategic position after the withdrawal of the main Confederate force. However, there is much skirmishing, some of it accidental, as on July 23, when "By some miss arrangement there was a party of secesh cavalry escorting a flag of truce fired into and two or three killed." On the 26, they arrive near Tazewell, TN: "Fired a few shot at the secesh at 1-1/2 mile range, don't know how good an effect it but [sic]there was some good shots made. It is the first time we have had a chance at a live rebel." The next day: "Started this morning to drive the rebels back or to fight them just as they chose but they chose to run. Shelled the woods all around us." On August 4, his unit is "sent for by Col. Pardy [Don L. Pardee] of the 42nd O.V. to help him hold the Enemy in check. Moved down to Big Spring. Rebels came in force but they met with such a resistance by our little handful of men and one piece of artillery. Had quite a little skirmish with the MISERABLES. They brought out two pieces of artillery to bear upon us that made shell fly around us uncomfortably close, but a few well directed shots from our guns made them change position...We held our position...until sundown when we moved back." After another duel on the 5th, on the 6th, they "moved out in direction of the Springs. Were attacked about 11 & came very near being taken. Had to run the gunlet of two or four regiments of musketry to get out...Fired a few shots and then came to camp where the balance of the Battery was all got into position and opened fire upon their line of Battle which entirely broke it up." On the 7th, they retreat due to low ammunition, and on the 8th, Sawyer sums up: The rebels had 110 killed and as many more wounded. Loss on our side one killed & between 50 & 60 wounded and missing. Took two officers prisoners, a Lieut. Colonel and a Capt." Ten days later they are probed by the enemy and respond with 20- and 30-pounders. After several days of shooting by pickets, the Confederates on the 22nd "sent us an order to surrender unconditionally or they would attack us with 50,000 strong in the morning, but I believe they HAVE or WILL conclude to let that alone." Soon fog descends on the Gap "so that it looks like a large lake and the tops of the hills...look like so many Islands." In early September they receive reports that Sawyer "can hardly believe," that Lexington has been occupied (true) and that Gen. George B. McClellan and Gen. Franz Sigel have been killed (false). Cut off from supplies, the men are on 1/4 rations, and on the 12th, Sawyer admits they will "have to skedaddle out of this." The last entry is for September 15, a day before they are scheduled to retreat. Front cover detached but present. Staining along top edge, well rubbed board edges, overall VG. The 1st Wisconsin Light Artillery would successfully retreat from Cumberland Gap, and later served effectively under Gen. Sherman in the Vicksburg Campaign. (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $850.00
Will close during Public Auction

Antietam: Col Thomas Welsh Rare, fantastic content ALS in pencil by Col Thomas Welsh, commander of the 2nd Brigade under Brig Gen Orlando Willcox, 4 pages, 4to, ""Antietam Creek, Md.,"" September 23, 1862. He tells his wife that they are about to march to Harper's Ferry, WV, and "I presume the Rebels will not dare to attack us now...I have just heard that Capt. Grove is dead. He had his leg amputated by reason of a severe wound at South Mountain...Budding was shot in the foot. Stape was shot in the Sholder...We did not lose many men in the last battle [of Antietam, on September 17]yet it was wonderful that a single one of us Escaped. The Genral told me in the morning that we were to stay in position at the Bridge so many of our Troops being killed or wounded. Genl. [Ambrose E.] Burnside thought best to send over fresh troops and of course I was ordered across. I was hardly across the Bridge until the Bullets began to fly thick. The troops who had crossed before us were ordered to lay down and let us march over them. This compelled me to let Jerry go and take it on foot. My orders were to charge straight at the Rebels and we did so, the 45th [Pennsylvania Infantry] ahead. My boys yell'd like Indians and charged Bayonet at double quick. They followed the Rebels so fast that I could not begin to keep up. They went over fences and stone walls through corn fields and archards with great crowds of Rebels running still more rapid. The other Regiments of my Brigade could not keep up...when near the Edge of Sharpsburg I overtook them, having run fully one mile. During all this time...we were opposed to a terrible storm of bullets, shell, grape, and canister. Yet strange to say the 45 had but one man kill'd & 38 wounded. I feel much chagrined at the manner in which my Brigade and particularly my Regiment is treated, or rather neglected by the newspaper reporters. The most desperate fighting at South Mountain was by the 45th...General Burnside, [Jesse L.] Reno, and Wilcox thought I and my Regiment had been mainly instrumental in gaining a great victory, but lo! when the papers are received we are not even mentioned!" Credit went to an Ohio regiment instead, and only one paper said that the 45th had assisted. "This is a LIE throughout. Genl. [Jacob D.] Cox men had an engagement in the morning, but instead of us helping them, during the fight the Ohio Regiments were laying in a hollow and I went myself and tried to get one of them to support the 45th but as the bullets were flying very thick they would not budge...My boys, after their splendid feats of courage expected to be praised a little. I am so thoroughly disgusted with the management of this army that it really makes me sick to contemplate the result. The whole rebel Army could have been captured or destroyed easily before it could have cross'd the Potomac, but indeed it seems to me that [Union commander Gen George B.] McClellan left them escape purposely." Fold wear, soiling, VG. With original envelope. Welsh does not exaggerate his men's valor; their charge was the furthest Union advance of the Battle of Antietam, and they only withdrew because they could not be supported. He would be named brigadier general in November, and served under Grant and Sherman in the Vicksburg campaign, where he contracted malaria, dying in August 1863. A very rare autograph and the best content Antietam letter we have heard of! (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000

SOLD for $2,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

Antietam: Cavalry Officer's Letter Choice ALS by Lt. Charles Richards of the 6th PA Cavalry (Rush's Lancers), 3 pages, 8vo, "Camp near Frederick," MD, October 5, [1862]. He writes of "the cavalry charge across the bridge at the battle of of Antietam. In this battle we were under very heavy fire from several batteries on us, and the shot and shell burst all around us, a solid shot went through two horses directly in front of me, struck the ground beside me, bounced off and lodged in the bank beyond. After we had crossed the bridge we were drawn up in close column, behind our batteries, and here remained the rest of the day, the shot and shell...striking the bank behind us with a deathlike 'chug.' Several horses were killed, and several men slightly wounded by pieces of shell. Some of the officers were struck, but nobody killed. It was a miraculous escape...and very fortunate that our batteries were able to hold their position. If they had been driven back or captured we should have all been cut to pieces, as we were placed in a position from which we could neither charge nor retreat, another brilliant officer [Capt. Henry Muirheid] having command of the cavalry. We were under fire two days after when we pressed them to the river, but they had all crossed and nothing but the artillery was engaged..." He closes with a complaint that liquor that had been sent to him was confiscated in transit! Folds, VG/F. Rush's Lancers had begun the war armed with actual lances, but were later armed with Sharps repeaters. They fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. Lt. Richards would be promoted to captain just a month after writing this letter. (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

Antietam: Official Report Important Autograph Document Signed ""J.W. Hofmann / Lt. Col. 56th Reg't, Penna Vols / Com'd'g 2d Brigade,"" 3-1/2 pages, legal folio, ""In Camp near Sharpsburg, Md,"" September 23, 1862. Hofmann sends to Capt. Halstead, assistant adjutant general of Gen Abner Doubleday's division (of which the 56th was part), giving his brigade's actions during the fight on the 16th and 17th. The 56th Pa was waiting for brigades to cross Antietam Creek when "the skirmishers of the enemy opened a lively fire upon us. They were, however, soon driven back by a force sent from our division...without having inflicted any loss." After a marching snafu, they take position between those of Gen Marsena Patrick and Gen George Meade, securing an area of woods. On the morning of the 17th, "I directed the Brigade Battery, the First New Hampshire...to be placed on the right of the Brigade...I had five pieces placed in the field and one in the road to enable us to enfilade the enemy should he approach from our right or left. The Battery had scarce been placed...when the enemy opened fire upon us from a battery placed in a cow-field some eight hundred yards to our front and left. Our Battery replied immediately, firing evidently with good effect for one hour when the battery of the enemy was withdrawn beyond the range of the guns..." At about 10 A.M., Gen Joseph Hooker moved the battery away from the brigade, and had Hofmann send the 95th NY under Maj Pye to support another battery 200 yards ahead, which "soon drew the fire from the enemy, partially the object of stationing the guns in that position...At about half past eleven...by order of Gen Doubleday, I moved the Brigade to our front and left about three hundred yards, and posteed the section of rifled guns in front of the line...They opened on the enemy, who replied with shell and musketry." After a half hour, "a large cavalry force was seen passing in rear of a narrow strip of wood, evidently attempting to attack us in flank on the right. A heavy body of infantry, much larger than my own immediately followed...I retired to a corn-field in rear, some two hundred yards, and reformed line of battle" where the enemy would have to cross a broad open area to attack, before moving left half a mile on Doubleday's orders. Late in the afternoon, on orders from Gen Edwin Sumner, "I placed the Brigade in the front line of battle...Our position was just below the crest of a hill, and immediately in rear of a long line of artillery...The enemy opened fire from a battery in our front, throwing shell, several of which exploded over our line, but caused us no loss. The fire...was immediately responded to by our artillery, and was soon silenced. Fold wear, otherwise condition is VG. Hofmann's command ended at the extreme left of the Federal line, where the fighting was its least intense. Elsewhere the fighting made September 17, 1862, the bloodiest in American history. The battle was a tactical draw, largely because overall commander George B. McClellan did not commit more of his forces to exploit advantages gained at different points in the Confederate line over the course of the day. He held them instead in reserve while Gen Robert E. Lee committed all of his available men. However, it was a strategic victory, for Lee was forced to withdraw behind the Potomac River. (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $475.00
Will close during Public Auction

Antietam: War-date Battlefield Map Outstanding official "Map of the / Battlefield of Antietam," ca. 19" x 16.75", "Prepared by / Lieut. Wm. H. Willcox, Top. Off. & A.A.D.C. / on Brig Genl Doubleday's Staff / from actual surveys."" Printed in red, green, tan, and blue, it gives the positions of the opposing forces at the beginning of the battle, showing opposing commands, artillery positions, and the town of Sharpsburg at lower left. Partial splits along folds repaired with paper on verso; with fold wear and minor staining, and pin holes in corners, but nevertheless VG and ideal for display. The horrific battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day in American history, was technically a Union victory, but commanding General George B McClellan's unwillingness to commit more of his troops and inability to follow up turned what could have been a crushing defeat for Robert E. Lee into an effective draw. (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $3,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

Fredericksburg: Surgeon's Letter Interesting content ALS, mostly in pencil (but finished and signed in ink) by Thomas M. Hills of the 27th Connecticut Infantry, 1 page, legal folio, Fredericksburg, December 15, 1862. He writes to his wife in New Haven that he is tired, as "we had a good fight Saturday [Dec. 13]- We had about 75 men...at the Brigade Hospital (where I have been - it was within 1/2 mile of the battle field). There are probably quite a number more wounded that wandered off to other Hospitals Y back to camp.Two other Surgeons & myself worked operating Saturday all day & till 1 oclock Saturday morning! I laid down on the bare floor without even any pillow...Wounded men had my blanket...Yesterday we operated all day, till late, & all to-day...We have sent all the wounded across the [Rappahannock] river - for the rebbels have threatened to shell the town. Henry got a ball through the fleshy part of the shoulder - not bad...He fairly drove some of his men onto the field telling them that if they don't pull another step he would shoot them. He marched boldly up stood up till he had fired all his ammunition while all the rest were on their backs & every man was telling him to get down...Andrew got a slight wound of the scalp...I have amputated...a number of times, a dozen I should think, I have not counted them up - have taken out any quantity of balls...Just as I wrote the last we received orders to vacate Fredricksburg - packed stores & left. We are back again near our old encampment." Folds, but clean and VG. With original envelope. In just nine months of total service, the 27th CT fought in three of the hardest battles of the war: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. It had begun with over 800 men and by the end of July 1863, fewer than 200 remained. (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $200.00
Will close during Public Auction

Fredericksburg: Union Soldier's Letter Outstanding content ALS in pencil by John L. Smith of the 35th Massachusetts Infantry, 3-1/5 pages, 4to, "Camp near Fredricksberg, Va" December 23, 1862. He writes to his sister and brother about watching the battle from camp earlier in the month: "It was a great sight although not a pleasant one to see long lines of infantry extending as far as the eye could reach moving against the entrenchments of the enemy and showers of shot and shell from the enemy's batteries...This side of the river our guns opened on the city about 4 o'clock in the morning and kept firing at intervals till daylight when our guns opened all along the line. I doubt if such cannonading was ever heard before...The shot & shell made such a screeching through the air...like the wind in a very stormy night when it whistles...a screeching & moaning sound. Before long the city was on fire in several places. The firing was kept up all day. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon our men got a pontoon across the river...We lost quite a number of men from the sharpshooters that were stationed in the houses on the opposite side of the river but our batteries were doing such good execution that it made the place rather hot for them. As soon as the bridges were got across our troops poured over the river and into the city...Our army kept crossing all night...It took till noon the next day...In the morning our lines began to advance. You could hear the report of a musket here and there...till there was a perfect rattle of muskets, then the rebel batteries opened on our lines and were replied to by our battteries...The rebels had a splendid position. Our infantry made several charges to take the rebel batteries but were repulsed every time with terrible slaughter. The fight was kept up till night. The next day it was not renewed on the part of the infantry...Our loss on killed & wounded was fearful...If the whole army suffered in the same proportion as our Regt. it must have been between 25,000 & 30,000 [in fact it was 11,000]...I was in Fredricksberg the day after the battle, there was scarcely a house but had from one to twenty holes in it...such a destruction of property I never witnessed before...It was like if 50,000 men were turned loose in the city of Boston and alowed the privilege of plunder and they did not know what to do with it when they got it...I am well but sick of this war when is it to be finished. It will never be done by fighting for the rebels always have the advantage of us..." Some soiling of last page, otherwise VG/F. The battle was a terrible defeat for the Union, whose casualties doubled those of the enemy, and led to the removal of Gen. Ambrose Burnside from command of the Army of the Potomac. (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

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Murfreesboro/Stone's River: CSA Soldier's Letter Choice content ALS by Enoch J. Wall of the 2nd Arkansas Infantry, 2-1/2 pages, on heavy brown lined paper, Estelle Springs, TN, January 7, 1863. Wall writes his siblings that Gen William J. "Hardee's Corps arrived at this place last night very much fatigued. We haven't had a good night's rest since the 27th of December...We marched 18 miles in the cold rain...There was no sleep for us that night as our blankets were all wet. We were all ordered to cook three days' rations the same night, but as our tents & cooking vessels were all burnt during the day, we...The 28th we were on the march by daylight. It was just three miles to Murfreesboro, where we arrived by sun up...We then marched out a mile & a half east of town where we were drawn up in a line of battle expecting a fight every minute. We remained in this position until sunset the 30th, when we were ordered around to the extreme left about five miles. We got there about ten o'clock in the night. We had the river to cross, which made it so late going five miles we had it to cross on rails & rocks. We were then in half a mile of the enemy's lines. By daylight the 31st we were in a line of battle & marching on the Yankees. The firing commenced about sunup & continued about all day. We drove them back three miles & held the battlefield two days. The Yankees's loss as far as I could see was about five to one. Dear Sister, I escaped un hurt...I was very much exposed all day. I believed I was protected by the all-seeing eye, otherwise I don't see how I could have escaped...I have lost all my blankets & clothes except the suit I have on...I wish you would send me two pair of pants, two pairs of drawers, one shirt, some blankets, or something to sleep on, and some socks...I heard that Mr. Bickerstaff was mortally wounded & Monroe was wounded, but I could not find out whether their wounds were very bad or not..." Fold wear including small holes at intersections, a few dampstains, well toned, but very legible all the same, and about VG. The 2nd Arkansas saw action throughout the war in the West, including Chickamauga, the Chattanooga Campaign, the Atlanta Campaign, and the Nashville Campaign. (Image)

Est. $500-750

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Murfreesboro/Stone's River: Union Officer's Letter Great content ALS of Lt. Milton B Chamberlain of the 4th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, 5 pages, 4to, Murfreesboro, TN, January 6, 1863. He writes his mother in great detail, explaining the placement of cavalry before describing the main battle: "December 31...Our Army had united the evening before, a hazardous operation in such close vicinity...The rebels early in the morning extended their left so as to have more troops opposite our right wing, and then they began the attack. The overwhelming numbers caused [Maj. Gen. Alexander] McCook to give way...On the right giving way, the center and left wing were formed behind the railroad and when the rebels eemerged from the woods the firing was just terrible. The day appeared lost, but with superhuman exertion our troops held their ground, drove the rebels back across the pike and at dark our line had advanced...When word was brought that McCook was giving way, [Gen. W.S. Rosecrans]ordered Col. [John] Kennett to take what cavalry he had left (about 70 of the 3rd Kentucky) and go to Wilkinson's Crossroads." There, Chamberlain and a few cavalry garded "the fords of Stone River to prevent the stragglers from crossing. In the afternoon, they "drove back the rebel troopers who had pursued our men to the hospital...and attacked the train. There was considerable cavalry fighting...in the open fields on the right...Col. [Minor] Millikin was killed here. Two charges drove the rebel cavalry from this part of the field...Wherever the fight was thickest, there was Rosecrans encourageing the troops...Jan 1st...Still confident that Rosecrans would whip [Gen. Braxton]Bragg to-day. Between 9 and 11 o'clock there was some very hard fighting on the right and centre. The cavalry was all drawn up in the open fields and...were shelled until we retired a half mile. The rebel cavalry...succeeded in burning a few of our wagons...Jany 2d - Battle opened early this morning with artillery and musketry. The firing was not very brisk until about 2-1/2 P.M. when a terrible fight began on the left and was continued til dark...the left being well advanced across the river. Rebel loss was very great...and our men are in excellent spirits...The rebel Genl. [Roger] Hanson was killed this afternoon...Jany 3rd - A little skirmishing...until an hour before dark when a heavy cannonading accompanied by musketry could be heard in the direction of [Maj Gen. Thomas L.] Crittenden...About 11 o'clock P.M. [Maj. Gen. Lovell] Rousseau's Division drove the rebels out of their intrenchments...On Sunday morning...it was supposed that the enemy had evacuated...Our los is quite heavy and the rebels equally so. Their force was 42,000, ours not 40,000..." With much more good content! Some soiling at a few folds, otherwise VG/F. Extremely clearly written, making an exceptional and highly informative letter! Though promoted to captain for his service at Murfreesboro, Chamberlain would resign on March 6, 1863. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

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Murfreesboro/Stone's River: Union Soldier's Letter Choice content ALS by Christian Lenker, a private in the 19th Ohio Infantry, ""Camp near Murfreesboro,"" 6 pages, 8vo, on patriotic stationery imprinted with a red and blue US flag and the words "Stand by the Flag," February 23, 1863. Once a teacher, he writes to a young friend, "I am a student yet and our teacher (Gen. Rosecrans) is teaching this young idea how to shoot. He gave us one lesson by the way of experience in front of Murfreesboro...I do not wish to get where balls fly thicker than they did here. Our regiment went in action with 480 men and out of that number we lost 216...Sometimes it seemed as if a dozen thunder storms had come together and lightning was striking in every tree around...When I was a little boy I thought I would like to be a soldier...Now I belong to one of the greatest armies that was in the field in modern times...When the rebels attacked us I was making coffee and I had to throw my water out and do without coffee and supper until the fight was over...We went in on a charge yelling like so many Indians. We fought a short time when the rebels over powered us on account of superior numbers and drove us back across the river." Anxious not to lose his haversack, he turned and drove the enemy back, "and got my haversack and canteen canteen, then went after the rebels on my own hook bush whacking style. If night had not came on we would have given them the worst whipping they ever got...This was once a beautiful country but between here and Nashville it is entirely desolate. Villages, houses, fences etc. are burned to the ground...The soldiers almost worship Gen. Rosecrans and have the greatest confidence in him but they equally hate the northern peace men...This army wants no peace until the rebels lay down their arms and give up..." Foxing and fold wear, otherwise VG. With envelope. (Image)

Est. $300-400

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US Navy: Sailor's Letter Outstanding anti-administration content letter by Capt. Edward Moses of the US Navy, 8 full pages, 8vo, on blue paper, ""U.S. Bark Fernandina / St. Simons Sd.,"" off the coast of Georgia, February 3, 1863. He writes a friend named Josey, full of anger at the perceived incompetence of the war's management: "I was in P[ort]Royal [SC]...to take a glass or two of wine with our worthy Rear Admiral (better known among us as 'Old Dummy')," undoubtedly referring to Adm. Samuel F. Du Pont, commander of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. He receives news "of the sinking of the 'Hatteras' by the 'Alabama' if the statement we get through rebel sources be true that he allowed the crew all but four to perish by drowning he deserves no quarter and is far from what I took him [Capt. Raphael Semmes] to be a brave man...I trust he may be taken and hung up like a dog...I thought him a gentleman and humane, perhaps the story we get may be highly colored." Indeed the account was false, and most of the crew of the Hatteras was rescued and paroled. "It is a great pity we had not a few such craft in place of the miserable collection of floating Coffins our stupid Octogenarian of a Sec of Navy [Gideon Welles, who was only in his sixties]has been squandering the government funds on...Two exceptions of stupid leaders I can find...McLellan [George B. McClellan]they have superseded and Rosencrans [W.S. Rosecrans]who is getting too popular to be allowed to remain long in command...I think our President is an honest well meaning man but...he is a mere tool in the hands of thieves and Nigger worshippers..." With much, much more content, including news of escaped contrabands, the Navy's waste of its ironclads, etc. Fold wear including small holes at some intersections, otherwise VG and a great, easy read. With full transcript. (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $750.00
Will close during Public Auction