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Lot Description

CV or Estimate

Chancellorsville: Stoneman's Raid Great content, grueling ALS, reportedly by Capt. James Brisbin (later brigadier general) of the 6th US Regular Cavalry, 4 full pages, 4to, on blue paper, Bealton Station, VA, May 9, 1863. He writes to his wife that under Brig Gen William W. Averell and Brig Gen George Stoneman, 10,000 cavalry crossed the Rappahannock and went into camp; on the morning of April 30, at "nearly daylight...a furious fight took place between the 10th New Jersey Cavalry and the 5th US Cavalry. The 5th took the 10th for Rebles. But little harm was done for the 5th soon put the 10th to flight. The 1st also had a fight in the night but whiped the Rebles and rove them a mile in the dark. At daylight Genl Stoneman said the Rebles were in our rear and that we were cut off from the main army and that no communication could be had for 10 days with [Gen Joseph] Hooker...On the 3rd we...reached the Rapidan River - [Gen J.E.B.] Stuart had been there the night before and left and he would fight us. Stoneman drew up and waited 3 hours for him but no Stuart Came. We then moved up the River 6 miles and swam it...At day light on the 1st marched all day and crossed 3 very deep runs...On the 2d marched all day, plundered all the houses along the road...We cut the Rail Road and destroyed 7 miles of the track. We were now directly behind the Reble Army and could hear Hooker fighting in front. The 3d & 4th we spent in burning houses...[Gen Robert E] Lee whiped a portion of the 5th but when we came he run and we followed him 4 miles at a hard gallop. Stoll had a little fight...and brought in 35 mules 27 niggers and lots of tobaco and Candy...On the 5th we marched all night hard...the hardest night I ever spent. Men would fall off their horses asleep. Horses died every ten rods and as fast as they fell were knocked in their head with axes. The men were drove along on foot with naked sabers drawn over them and some fell down from fatigue. We had no wagons and left them laying by the road side. It was now life or death. Hooker had failed to whip the Rebles and we were cut off...It was almost impossible to drag our heavy Canon through the mud which was knee deep...After a little rest we pushed on and avoiding Stuart who was laying at the Rapidan...we crossed at 11 in the night and by 2 o'ck were all over...Early next day we were on our way...within 16 miles of the Rappanhanock. At dark we reached it but it was foaming and boiling and it was certain death to cross. Rebles were behind and the River in front. The Genl. hung his head - he said we...must fight where we were. The Reble Infantry were now within 2 miles of us and coming on...The 5 Cav and the 2 Cav with 3 squadrons of the 6th went back to engage the advancing enemy in the dark but strange to say he stoped. They evidently thought they had us safe and would take their time. At the first peep of day the 1st Cav plunged into the River and crossed. The men clung to the saddles and the horses swam. By 10 o'clk the Cavalry was all over, except the Pickets who were fighting with the enemy...The enemy only got a few of them. We now marched off quietly and...were safe...We did our share all except Averill who is under arrest. Genl. Hooker has failed but he will try it again in a day or two..." Soiling at folds, fold wear, but clear and very legible, VG. Capt. Brisbin would be brevetted brigadier general and would join the regular army after the war, becoming an Indian fighter; a lifelong opponent of slavery, he helped form regiments of black troops. Gen. Hooker blamed Stoneman's disastrous foray behind enemy lines for the Union defeat at Chancellorsville, and the cavalry commander was cashiered. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

Washington Defenses: Soldier's Letters Good group of 5 ALS by Charles Sweetser of the 25th Maine Infantry, 2 to 6 pages, 8vo, in and near Chantilly, VA, March 21-April 19, 1863. He writes to his sweetheart Nellie in North Yarmouth, ME, (and once to a girl named Rosa), explaining camp life: [3/21/1863] "One duty is like the other...We are at work now making gabions...They are made by taking small sticks about the size of a bow handle...We make a side 2 ft. in diameter and put 11 of those stakes at equal distances around the cirle. We then weave in small sticks...They are made to put around the port holes in the batteries." [3/23] "We are the outside lines but I don't believe there are any Rebs anywhere near here...Fairfax Court House village...smells looks and walks just like a hog yard...Col. Shaw is scared to death for fear the Rebs will come and make havoc of his beautiful body. He gives orders every night for us to have our guns and pill boxes where we can put our hands on them as he expects us to be turned out, but you don't catch me lying awake for fear of Rebs..." [April 10] "Our tent is marvelous comfortable...It is 6 ft. wide and about 10 ft. long and 3 ft. high under the eves...The roof is made of the tents belonging to 4 of us...They are some afraid of Rebs tonight but we have built a bush fence to keep them out..." [April 19] "We received orders to take the field....Gen. Abercrombie...has assumed the command of the division...The old Chantilly mansion has burned down but once a splendid establishment....The man that now owns the homestead is a Brigade Quartermaster in the Rebel army so it is all right to burn up his house...The farms here don't show so much the effects of war as they did near Washington..." Three letters with original envelopes, all VG. The 25th was called up for battle duty in June, but when it was realized that they were only a 9-month regiment and soon to be discharged, they were offered incentives to stay on. Almost none of them complied. [8]

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $210.00
Will close during Public Auction

Chancellorsville: CSA Surgeon's Letter Excellent content ALS by Erwin J. Eldridge of William T. Wofford's Brigade, 4 pages, 4to, ""Camp,"" May 12, 1863. He writes to his wife in Flat Pond, Georgia: ""Of the success of the battle...I need not tell you...The loss in our brigade was quite heavy - about five hundred & fifty killed and wounded - so you can imagine I was pretty busy. After getting entirely through with our wounded some of us went to a church filled with Yankee wounded and as they had but one Surgeon and he a fool we took charge and operated on several of them. I scratched my hand slightly and though nothing of it. On Friday evening I took out the elbow joint of a little New Yorker...and his arm being very much swollen and in a very bad condition I suppose some of the blood got into my wound and sooon afterward I woke up with the most intense pain...My hadn and arm were very much swollen...I was a little alarmed, too, as loss of limb and life are not uncommon results of such accidents...It is now so near well as to relieve me of all danger...Col. [Goode] Bryan was struck, the ball passing through the breast pocket of his coat where he had his spectacles, some letters, papers, etc. - going through them and his clothes but cutting through the skin - quite a painful wound - His breast was quite swollen and painful and he fears an abscess will form...I met several surgeons from across the river...We found that some of them were at college the same time we were. Some of them were pleasant gentlemen, some hogs. I never saw such perfect indifference to their men as they showed. They seemed not to care whether they lived or died..." With original Postal Cover, bearing Richmond postmark and stamp "Due 10." (imagea) (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $900.00
Will close during Public Auction

Chancellorsville: Union Soldier's Letter Exquisitely detailed ALS by Hudson Jennings of the 137th NY Infantry, 6 pages, 8vo, ""Acquia Landing,"" VA, May 9, 1863. To his sister, he relates: ""Last week Monday [April 27] we broke camp. Wednesday crossed the Rappahannock early in the morning & the Rapidan just after dark. Thursday we made a rapid march to the heights opposite United States ford...Here we remained until the next day after noon. Then we made a reconnaissance in force & discovered the enemy a mile or two in front of us. After a short skirmish we retired to our former position. Our reg't was not engaged, but lay in a piece of woods into which the Rebs threw a few shells, which burst over our heads sending the fragments shrieking through the air, slivering the trees & tearing up the ground...That night we threw up an entrenchment. Our tools were bayonets, sharpened sticks for picks and our tin plates for shovels...Saturday there was a considerable skirmishing all along our lines...The position of our Reg't was at or near the center. About an hour before sundown the engagement became general on the right and pretty sharp at our left...For an hour or so the fighting was done mostly with the musket but just after sundown the 11th Corps (which was at the left of the right wing) broke and then the whole line fell back, followed by the Rebs who were yelling like friends but their yells were soon drowned by the roar of the cannon and they were glad to retreat. A battery had managed to get at their left flank and...poured a storm of shot and shell into their ranks which they could not stand which I should think must have mowed them down by hundreds. They soon left the field...The next morning (Sunday) the fight was renewed and continued until about noon when our right wing changed its position and the enemy retired. The strength was great on both sides, but it is the opinion of most that THE REBS LOST 8 TO OUR ONE...You will probably learn the true result before I do, also the plan of Gen. Hooker and how far it was successful. Monday our corps (the 12th) then moved another position nearer to the river and during the night and next day threw up some strong entrenchments. Tuesday night we crossed the river returning to our old camp near Acquia Landing arriving here last night. I could not see a Reb within gunshot & did not wish to waste my fire. Three of our Reg't are known to have been killed. Our major was severely wounded in the head by a piece of railroad iron, a Lieut, was slightly wounded and a few of the privates...Some 50 or more are missing. They were on picket and are suppose to have been taken prisoners...Don't worry about me - God is taking care of me and will use me well. Pray for me, my comrades and our country..." Staining and foxing, soiling at folds, about VG. Those prayers were needed, for Jennings was wounded at the Battle of Wauhatchie in October 1863, dying a month later. As for Chancellorsville, despite successes near the young private, the battle was a Union defeat. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $575.00
Will close during Public Auction

Gettysburg: Prisoner of War Broadside Exceptional 14.6"" x 5.9"" printed Broadside entitled ""THE GETTYSBURG PRISONERS. / March from Gettysburg to Staunton, ---175 Miles. / Inhuman Treatment of Prisoners - Prisoners Robbed. / BELL ISLAND / Murders Committed by Rebel Guards. / Annapolis, MD, Sept. 28, 1863," according to George Gantt of the 26th PA Volunteers, members of the III Corps. The broadside details the long march, usually without food, through Pennsylvania and Maryland to Staunton, Virginia, where they were transported by rail to Belle Isle in Richmond. At Richmond, those who were to be paroled were separated to be exchanged at Annapolis. the account abounds with incidents of cruelty both petty and murderous. Bottom edge slightly irregular, with expert repair to fold splits on verso, traces of former tape repairs, age-toned, mounting traces in upper corners, with some apparent paper replacement at upper right, overall VG. Over 5,000 Union troops were captured or missing at Gettysburg, a battle in which both sides had roughly the same number of total casualties. Because Southern troops were on a raid in enemy territory, however, they were obliged to quit the field and make the long march back to relative safety. We have not seen another example of this broadside, which may be the only one to survive! (Image)

Est. $500-750

SOLD for $550.00
Will close during Public Auction

Vicksburg: Frank P. Blair American politician and soldier (1821-75); Union general during the Civil War; US Senator and US Representative from MO; scion of the powerful political family. Civil War content Autograph Letter Signed "Frank P. Blair" as Senator, 1-1/2 pages, 8vo, Washington, February 26, 1871. To George W. Reed in NYC. He explains that the forces he commanded around Vicksburg immediately after its capture "consisted of six Brigades, being the reserve Brigades of the 15th & 17th Army Corps. I believe there were an average of 1500 men to each Brigade. The purpose was to destroy the resources of the country so that no army could approach the rear & raise the siege of Vicksburg..." Fine. While serving under Grant at Vicksburg, and then under Sherman in Georgia, Blair was simultaneously a US Representative. (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $120.00
Will close during Public Auction

Vicksburg: Boomer's Brigade Important Manuscript Letter, an official copy of the report of Brig. Genl. E.A. Carr of the 14th Division on the actions of Col. George B. Boomer's Brigade of the 7th Division, 1-1/3 pages, legal folio, outside Vicksburg, May 23, 1863. Writing of the previous day's attack, Carr relates, "Col. Boomer formed his Brigade in two lines, placed himself in the centre, and marched them forward in the most gallant style. The enemy had been heavily reinforce, and the Brigade was met with a tremendous storm of bullets, but not a man flinched. They moved forward steadily...scrambled across the first ravine and were just formed to advance to the next when Boomer was struck down. Col. [Holden] Putnam was about to continue the advance when he learned that the last words of Boomer were not to attempt to charge those works...The enemy had had time to concentrate so strongly in front, that it was impossible to take his works..." Toned with edge and fold wear, about VG. Col. Boomer was the only brigade commander, and the highest-ranking Union officer, killed in the attack. After its failure, US Grant ordered his men to set into a siege. (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

Vicksburg: Francis S. Spinner United States treasurer, appointed by Abraham Lincoln (1802-90); began the practice of employing women in that department; earlier, a US Representative from NY; known for his distinctive signature, which appeared on early US currency. Unusual content LS "F.E. Spinner," 1 page, 4to, Treasurer's Office, Washington, March 3, 1863. He writes to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, calling his attention to "papers inclosed herewith [not present]from Capt. E.J. Cook 95th Illinois Vol. Infantry, tendering his resignation? I know Captian Cook to be an honest man whose statements are entitled to full credence..." According to the docket on verso, the request included a certificate of disability. The letter was forwarded to the commanding general of the "Army in front of Vicksburg," but apparently without success, for Captain Cook, serving under Gen. US Grant in Gen. James McPherson's 17th Corps, was severely wounded in the charge on Vicksburg of May 22, 1863. The failure of that charge convinced Grant to settle in for a siege, and Vicksburg fell on Independence Day. (Image)

Est. $300-400

SOLD for $750.00
Will close during Public Auction

Vicksburg: USS Switzerland Four war-date Photographs, two of them cartes-de-visite; the other pair panel photographs of 8"" x 11"" and 6.5"" x 8.4"". The largest shows the converted paddle-wheel boat at Mound City, IL for repairs. The other panel image is vignetted from a visibly broken glass plate, showing the boat near shore, flying two hand-tinted American flags. On verso is a pen description Col Charles Ellet's last hours on the ship after the Battle of Memphis, where he received mortal wounds. Ellet was the principal designer of the US "Ram Fleet." The cartes-de-visite, both printed by Charles Pfetsch of New Albany, IN, show an engraving of the boat and a repeat of the broken-plate image. Both of these have proprietary revenue stamps on versos. All are lightly toned, the large photographs also with some edge nicks and wear, but the group is VG. With three small related newsprint engravings. [4] (imagea) (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $270.00
Will close during Public Auction

Fort Wagner: Union Soldier's Letters Group of 5 choice content ALS by James Himrod of the 48th NY Infantry, 3-1/2 to 12 pages, different sizes, various places, November 1861-July 1863. In the first, written at Hilton Head, SC, he recounts his time in the army to that point, with excellent content on being mustered, traveling, and drilling; in October they board ship in Annapolis and are "stowed away like so many pigs...Our bunks were 5 feet 6 inches long by 4 feet 6 inches wide where were stowed 4 soldiers" with all their gear. After pausing before Hampton Roads for a week, they leave in a convoy for South Carolina, but on November 1, "The hurricane commenced about 5 P.M...From 10 P.M. until 2 A.M. of the 2nd, I expected we would all go to the bottom...How terribly grand was the sight of the mountainous waves...About 1 o'clk...we seemed to rise very high and then a deep plunge. I thought it was our last..." Finally they arrived off Port Royal, SC, and on November 5, "a Battery on shore opened. The firing became quite brisk. The Battery was silenced, but an extensive fortification on the opposite shore was discovered." On the 7th, a real battle took place, and "At first the firing was at intervals and wide of the mark. They soon got in range and then the shot fell thick & fast. It was a grand sight...the bursting of bomb shells as the Wabash poured them in Broadside after Broadside. The engagement lasted nearly six hours, and at 3:40 P.M. our flag was floating proudly in the State of South Carolina. The Rebels left in such haste that the Marines had the pleasure of eating their dinner..." They have been building fortifications since then. A year later, he writes from Ft. Pulaski, GA, about a Thanksgiving dinner, and includes a 4to printed Program for the "Grand Thanksgiving / FETE AND FESTIVAL" at the fort, listing such activities as a rowing match, foot-race, wheelbarrow race, greased pole, and greased pig, with his notes on who won! He doesn't think much of the officers' behavior around young ladies: "I should judge that many of them entertain no respect for the wives, mothers & sisters they have left at home...Our Country's life is, as it were, in such hands...How demoralizing this War is...You misjudge me...when you say I am no friend of Genl [George B]McClellan. I think him a good General and a Patriot, though not enough of a go ahead. He is the best engineer...but for offensive operations, too slow...I think you will find that Genl [Ambrose E] Burnside is the man..." From Morris Island, SC "On the Field," he writes in pencil on July 12, 1863, "Providence has carried me safely through one desperate conflict, but...my noble hearted Captain is no more. He was killed last Friday morning [July 10]while gallantly leading us on to the attack, on a Battery on this...Island...We done our duty well. My Company lost besides Capt. Lent, 2 privates killed, 1 Serg & 2 Corporals & 5 Privates wounded...The Rebels have heavy Batteries on the other end of it and fire at us every once in a while. You had better believe we had a hot time of it landing on this Island...We were crowded in small boats and the Rebels gave us any quantity of shells...Lt. Col. Green who was in command behaved nobly...We have more work to do this week. I am in hopes we shall have Sumpter before its close. Yet it will cost lives to get it. Our forces are planting heavy Batteries to help the Iron Clads reduce the other Rebel defenses...We found 60 dead Rebels. They did not expect us to be so bold...Capt. Lent was shot in the head and breast and died very quick. Our 2nd Lieut behaved with great coolness...6 sharpshooters were detailed to shoot Col Green and Capt Lent. They thought Capt was a General..." On the 21st, he adds, "Our forces have been repulsed in two separate attacks on 'Battery Wagner.' In the first, made on Tuesday...the 14th, my Regt. was not engaged. In the last, Saturday evening July 18th, the Regt. was engaged...and was almost cut to pieces. Our Col. was badly wounded, Lt. Col Green killed. Out of 17 Officers...only 3 came out unhurt...The total regimental loss...is 260...The 1st Sergeant who was slightly wounded and myself have command of the company...Fully one half of our loss was caused by our own Forces who supported us...The 100th NY & 62 Ohio fired 3 volleys into our Regt. So much for night storming attacks...Our famous Iron Navy are no help...Our Brig Genl [George C](Strong) is wounded as is also Brig Genl [Truman] Seymour..." Strong would later die of his wounds. Finally, he writes in December from Hilton Head about the "glorious news," probably the important Union victories at Chattanooga, and has "hopes that this Rebellion will be brought to a close soon..." He says that he'll spend his next Thanksgiving at home - and he would, being discharged in October 1864. All letters with typed transcripts. Overall in VG condition, and with more good content than we could relate here. The assault on Fort Wager, a crushing Union defeat in which they suffered nearly ten times the casualties of the enemy, is usually remembered for the charge of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a regiment of black troops that led the attack. Estimate $2,500-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,500-3,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

Union Soldier's Letter: Ninth Illinois Great content ALS by Cpl F.M. Swyer of the 9th Illinois Infantry, 4 full pages, 4to, Pocahontas, TN, August 8, 1863. He writes a friend back in Selinsgrove, PA that "we have been almost constantly in the saddle out on scouting expeditions and making raids - the past month (July) we marched 637 miles...and had some 8 or ten skirmishes with the Rebs and Gurrilla bands...in all of which we punished the enemy badly and permanently as evinced by the heaps of dead Rebs left on the field. Our entire losses in all of the engagements alluded to...3 killed and 23 wounded and missing...In both these engagements we were contending with a Rebel Brigade...and their number could not have been less than ten times that of our regiment...In one of the fights...we...fought the 9th Tenn Rebel Cavalry, Forrests Regiment of Cavalry and Newshams [John F. Newsom] Cavalry - and actually charged them in their breastworks driving them out and taking 175 or 200 prisoners besides 400 conscripts that we let go on parole...Since January our regiment have been mounted (on mules) and at present are acting as cavalry at this post...This is one of the Old Veteran Regts and took prominent part in the Battles of Ft. Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth...;and rank with the 'A' No 1 fighting regiments...We are known familiarly with most western troops either as the 'Bloody Ninth' 'fighting ninth' and lately since we have been mounted on mules - as the 'JACKASS BRIGADE'...No Rebel Brigade we have yet met in the field has been able to nor ever will whip the Bloody Ninth. We have got so accustomed to the Music of Balls and the Shriek of shells that we rather like it...The Army of the Potomac is virtually asleep. Vide the chance that they had to annihilate Lee and at last let him get across the potomac...Do you imagine our Western army would permit such conduct...No doubt the privates of that Army are as brave as any...but they have not yet got far enough from Washington and they have not a Grant, Sherman, [John A] Logan, [James B] McPherson nor even a [Nathaniel P]Banks..." Beautifully written in dark ink, in VG/F condition. The 9th Illinois would continue to win in the West, fighting in the campaigns for Vicksburg and Atlanta, and in the March to the Sea. An excellent expression of the differences in attitude between the armies in the Western and Eastern Theaters. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

Rappahannock Station: Union Cavalryman's Letter Choice detailed content ALS by Lt. Jerome Wheeler of the 6th NY Cavalry, 8 pages, 8vo, ""Near Brandy Station, Va,"" November 15, 1863. To his friend Aggie in Waterford, NY, he pens, ""Our command is back in nearly the same place that it was six weeks ago...The country is so situated here that either side can make a flank movement...The side that is flanked must fall back...Centerville was our stronghold and the question was who were to reach it first, We or the Rebs...Away we went up hills, through valleys, over ditch's through mud...We traveled two nights in succession without sleep...We had no lanterns & were obliged to use candles. And what a looking object I was, when we arrived at Fairfax Station. My face all besplattered with mud...My overcoat speckled with tallow from candles...which was covered by my falling asleep from exhaustion, while riding...General [George G.] Meade had halted, changed front and was awaiting anxiously for the enemy...We were obliged to look them up...We followed them to Warrenton, but...the Rebels had destroyed the Orange and Alexandria RR from Bristow Station to the Rappahanock...On Saturday [November 7]the army commenced to move towards the river and engaged the enemy about 4 o'clock P.M. The enemy had two Brigades of Infantry on the north side of the river and seven pieces of artillery...The remainder of their army was on the south side of the river. Neither party gained any advantage until dusk. There occurred one of the most brilliant feats of the war, our forces [the 6th Maine Infantry] charged over their last works and down to the river and took possession of their pontoon bridge, there by cutting them off entirely from their main body. Hardly a man escaped...The infantry immediately crossed the river and took possession of the works on the opposite bank...The railroad will be connected tomorrow...I expect we will have some severe fighting here. The enemy are on the South side of the Rapid Ann [sic, Rapidan] River, entrenched, waiting for us to attack." He later relates that "my intelligent contraband" has brought him a kitten! Folds, with some very minor internal splits, VG and extremely clearly written on creamy paper. With original envelope. Gen Meade and Robert E. Lee had been maneuvering and sparring for weeks after the Confederate retreat from Gettysburg. The Battle of Rappahannock Station was small but decisive: nearly 80 percent of Southern troops involved were captured or killed, and Lee was obliged to withdraw behind the Rapidan. (Image)

Est. $300-400

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

Spotsylvania: Officer's Letter Graphic content ALS in pencil by Capt. Benjamin W. Richards, aide-de-camp of Gen. James B. Ricketts, 3 pages and 2 lines, ""Near Spottsylvania Court House,"" May 11, 1864. He writes to his brother about the continuing Overland Campaign: "This is the seventh day of fighting and most severe has it been, the greater portion of it in very thick woods and of course usually at very close quarters. The losses on both sides have been very severe. Our loss in General officers has been very large indeed. I have heard of eleven already. Genl. Sedgewick [John L. Sedgwick] who commanded the Corps, was killed. Genl. [William M.] Morris of our [Third] Division was wounded. Genl. [Truman] Seymour of this Division taken prisoner. So far Genl. Ricketts and his staff have escaped although we have had narrow escapes. A shell exploded in the midst of us killing three of our horses (mine among the number) & taking off the foot of one of Genl. [Simon G.] Griffin's Aids, who happened to be with us. So far we have been successful I think...It is impossible to tell the amount of our loss but it is estimated at 20 or 25 thousand men. Many of the dead & wounded have been left on the fields & in the thick woods unattended to. We were unable to send those of the wounded back to Washington until yestterday...It was horrible to see men washout legs & arms drawn in army waggons day after day suffering from heat & want of rest, proper food & attention. This is the most horrible country to fight in I ever saw. In many places the men do not see each other until they get up within a few yards..." Some very light spotting, but VG with very clear and dark writing. The Overland Campaign, including the bloody Battles of the Wilderness and of Spotsylvania Court House, gave clear expression of General US Grant's strategy: despite heavy and lopsided losses, he would not cease to pursue Lee's Army of Northern Virginia until he had bottled them up in Petersburg and Richmond. The strategy succeeded, but not without earning him a reputation as a "butcher" of men. (Image)

Est. $500-600

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

New Market: Cavalry Letter Choice ALS by Col. Robert F. Taylor, commander of the 1st NY Veteran Cavalry, 1-1/2 pages, 4to, ""Camp Near Strasburg Va,"" May 17, 1864. Writing to his wife during the Valley Campaign, he tells of the Battle of New Market on May 15: "We were whiped before we commenced fighting. My cavalry behaved gallantly. Capt. [John J.] Carter had two horses shot under him in making a charge. One horse, a shell passed through his neck and exploded pieces of it striking him in the face. The concussion so completly paralized him that for several hours he was unconsious & unable to speak. He is much better and around now. In one charge I lost 14 men and a great number of horses. Twice we charged their unbroken infantry lines and drove them but they greatly out numbered us and compeled us to retire leaving our dead and many of our wounded on the field. The enemy evidently were attracted to some other point for they gave up the chase before night..." Fold wear, toning, VG. With much background material. The Battle of New Market is especially notable for the involvement of cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, who fought alongside regular Confederate forces under John C. Breckenridge and drove Union troops under Franz Sigel out of the Shenandoah Valley. The defeat contributed to the removal of Sigel, a patriotic but incompetent political general, from active command that summer. Civil War letters from colonels, especially in the cavalry, are scarce. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

Proctor's Creek: Soldier's Letter Great detail content ALS by Albert F. Sharp, 10th Connecticut Infantry, 4 pages, 8vo, ""In Camp, near Pt. Walthall, Va,"" May 17, 1864. He writes to his family, ""The whole of Sunday [May 15] was enjoyed in comparative repose...Night came on and I lay down to rest beneath a roof of evergreens. Boath army lay quietly all night...a calm which was harbinger of a comming Storm. About four o'clock on monday morning God sent a dense fogg upon the earth. Under cover of this the enemy massed outside their breastwork direct in our front and but a few rods away. The same night a pontoon bridge was thrown across the James River below Fort Darling, and a large force was landed in rear of our right. As early as six A.M. a Semblence of a battle was mad on our extreme left when in fact the real attack was on our right...General [Benjamin F.] Butler diminished the strength of our center to reinforce the right. The enemy...threw a strong column on our center. Then commenced the severest battle in which it has been my lot to engage. Charge after charge was made on our right left and center, and each as often as repeated repulsed. We were compeled to reserve our fire until the rebel hosts were within a single rod of our line of battle. The slaughter of human beings was appalling in the extreme. For five hours the sacrafice of men continued with no abatement of severity. At eleven o'clock, the fogg lifted, and we could then see how and where to strike. But at this hour our right flank had been broken and the eighteenth Corps was already falling back. the 10th Corps still held their ground...But an order came for us to fall back to our entrenchments some six miles away, which we did in fine order...and taking with us all our wounded except those who fell in the trenches or on the firld when the attack was first made. With all the advantages the rebs had scured their success was small...Our object was not to go to Richmond, but capture Fort Darling so that our gun boats can pass up to the city...Unless Grant gets the Rebel capital soon we shall go again to the front..." Fold wear, soiling, VG. General Butler's failure at Drewry's Bluff signaled the hopelessness of his Bermuda Hundred Campaign, and he was reassigned to a supporting role in front of Petersburg. Sgt. Albert Sharp was killed a few months later at the Battle of Deep Bottom Run. (Image)

Est. $600-750

CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

Atlanta: Peachtree Creek Exceptional content ALS by Peter A. Sinclair of the 101st Illinois, 8 pages, 8vo, ""Near Atlanta,"" August 6, 1864. He writes to Howard Aitken in Minnesota: ""Our present position is within 1-1/2 miles of the DOOMED CITY, where we have been hammering away for the last to weeks. We have strong earthworks to couver us within some 500 yards of the enemy's. The skirmishers and Sharp Shooters from both sides are between. They keep up an incessant fire so that it is unsafe to show a head above the works...You have read ere this of our fight of the 20th. Our corps crossed Peachtree creek early in the morning and lay in an open field all day waiting orders to move upon the enemy's works, which it was reported, were only a short distance in the woods in front of us. Generals [George H.]Thomas and [Joseph] Hooker with some half dozen or more Brigadiers were in consultation for several hours...Thomas had little to say but kept pacing to and fro...'Old Joe'...it seemed...wanted to storm the rebel works...He had sent...orders for [John H.]Geary to advance with his division (the 2nd) upon the left. They had moved some distance into the woods when firing suddenly commenced some two miles to our left rapidly coming nearer...Our whole division were upon their feet in an instant. Then commenced such a rattle as you never heard...The firing was almost in our immediate front, and it was the most terrific firing I had ever heard...Just as we reached the top of the hill and were entering the woods we met rebel bullets...All seemed to me to be in one grand mass of confusion...as our long line emerged from it and went marching steadily on to meet the foe who could be plainly seen coming up the hill from the other side. Pouring volley after volley into our ranks. I could compare it to nothing else than to one vast machine which in a moment had been crushed to pieces, then as if by magic each piece had adjusted itself...and all went working smoothly...Were it possible to make our men run...they would have done so here, but no!...With the creek at our rear, retreat was impossible...I believe they will now give up trying to charge our lines for they have never met with anything but disaster by it...The sun was just sinking behind the hills in the distance when the firing gradually began to slacken.." Age-toned, otherwise VG indeed. At Peachtree Creek, John Bell Hood hoped to break the Union line and force WT Sherman to divert troops attacking Atlanta to support Thomas. However, Hood and his subordinates failed to take full advantage of Thomas's vulnerability. The Union victory made the capture of Atlanta inevitable, and the city surrendered on September 2. With original envelope. (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $675.00
Will close during Public Auction

Chambersburg Raid: Union Cavalryman's Letter Great content ALS in pencil by Edgar Peirce of the 14th PA Cavalry, 4 pages, 8vo, in ""Camp 7 miles from Hagerstown, Md,"" August 24, 1864. He tells his brother that ""We have been up the Shenandoah Valley across the Blue Ridge Mountains to Lynchburg [VA] and back through the Kanahawa Valley to Martinsburg, [WV], then up the valley again as far as Winchester [VA]. We passed through Chambersburg [PA]while it was still burning, and followed the perpetrators of the outrage and finally overtook them at Moorfield, Va. where we settled accounts with them. The affair was the nicest thing that has occurred this summer. They had a force large enough to have whipped us if we had not come in upon them before breakfast. They numbered about 3000 and our force was just 1300 with our worn out horses and men being left behind as they tired out. It was sport to see the bewildered looks on the poor devils when we woke them up. 'I wasn't at Chambersburg' was the cry of each and all of them. As fast as we overtook them, their plunder was scattered along the road for miles. Some of the boys made a good thing of it too. I did not think of the plunder until after the flight, and by then it was all picked up. Our regiment led the advance with our company forming part of the advance guard. We picked up letter written the day before telling their friends of their summer's work, that they had gotten back safely to Moorfield, and would home with their families in a few days with new dresses and so forth. Poor things, t'will be a long time before they see their friends or dresses either. We had a freight train of 21 cars all loaded with the wretches. They had stolen everything that you would ever find in a country store and they had silks, calico, ribbons, needles, thread, pins, fish hooks, baby shoes, lace, window curtains and even hoop skirts. They did not carry much beyond Moorfield though. We could have taken half of them prisoner if we had men enough to guard them...My horse was wonded in the side, the ball just clearing my leg. However, my little horse is almost well now, and we have been scouting for a few days at this place and expect soon to be on the move again..." Pinhole in margin of first page, soiling at folds, VG. In response to Union depredations in the Shenandoah Valley, Confederate Gen John McCausland raided the Pennsylvania town of Chambersburg, burning part of it to the ground. When Union cavalry including Peirce came upon the raiders at Moorfield, they attacked with the battle cry, "Chambersburg!" (Image)

Est. $400-500

SOLD for $300.00
Will close during Public Auction

Petersburg: Soldiers' Letters Unusual trio of ALS one by a Union soldier signed ""Charles,"" 1-1/2 pages, 4to, "In the Trenches before Petersburg Va," October 15, 1864. He writes his mother about money matters and his good health, adding that he has left his coat in Washington and doesn't need it yet. With ALS by Loren Wilson, 4 pages, 8vo, "Camp Near Petersburg," March 16, 1865. In the last days of the war, he writes his father, "I suppose the draft has took place...at least i hope it has for we want help very bad. We...expect to moove evry day...Some think we will try to join general Scofield [John A. Schofield, who was marching from North Carolina, but instead rejoined WT Sherman] before we go far. Lewis is well...How does that rasor cut your beard i found that on the battlefield of ceder creek Nov 19, 1864 [sic, the battle was on October 19]. He adds a ditty at the end: "this is a soldiers leeter, pleas spare it a head / Thare is plenty of hardtack and so soft bread." Last, an ALS by the aforementioned Lewis Wilson of the 106th NY Infantry, Danville, VA, April 28, 1865. He writes in pencil to his parents about marching to Danville, the site of a Confederate POW camp: "In this town only layes the dust of 15,000 union men which have been starved by the villians, but still our men have to protect and see that they are not harmed...We are now within 45 miles of Johnson's [Joseph E. Johnston] army if he don't give up the 6th corps will talk to him soon, but it is thought he can not fight any longer. How would you like to have me bring home a colored boy I can get them by the thousands. I have one with me he is a smart boy and can make a good hand on a farm..." In fact, Johnston had surrendered two days earlier. All with some wear, but all VG. [3] (Image)

Est. $200-300

SOLD for $140.00
Will close during Public Auction

Baker, Conrad Governor of Indiana and US Army officer during the Civil War (1817-84); instrumental in getting his state to ratify the 13th and 14th Amendments. Good ALS, 4 full pages, 4to, Helena, AR, July 14, 1862. He writes to his wife in Evansville, IN, telling her of his movements with the Army of the Southwest and his difficulty getting supplies for his troops, adding, "We had lively times on the march from Jacksonport to Clarendon, having had fighting with the Rebels on five or six different days, the 1st Ind. Cav. being engaged in each fight. One of these for the numbers engaged was the most bloody battle of the war and I am sorry to say Capt. Sloan was killed and Major Clendinning dangerously though I hope not mortally wounded in leading a gallant charge on a largely superior force of the enemy. The forces engaged on our side were only about 300 infantry and about 200 of the 1st Ind Cav. with the small rifled guns. They drove before them fully two thousand of the enemy killing at least two hundred...Our loss was small." With an incomplete AL, usigned, 4 pages, 4to, Helena, August 16, 1862, to his brother, about an advertisement for recruits to fill up his regiment, and giving a lively account of his transfer from a brigade under General Frederick Steele to one under General Charles E. Hovey. Each with fold wera including minor separating at edges, but VG. [2]

Est. $150-200

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Beauregard, Pierre G. T. American soldier and politician (1818-93); began as an engineer in the US Army, serving with distinction in the Mexican War; became the first Confederate brigadier general in March 1861; commanded forces at Charleston, , ordering the bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, initiating the Civil War; helped design the Confederate Battle Flag that has come to be a symbol of the South; his record as a field commander was mixed, and his poor relationship with Jefferson Davis and with his colleagues kept him from maintaining prominence in the Confederate Army. Amazing date carte-de-visite Photograph Signed on verso "Charleston So. Ca. / April 13th 1861 / G.T. Beauregard / Genl. CSA," a thigh-length image of the general in uniform with his arms crossed, by Quinby & Co of Charleston, as identified in print on verso. Image is somewhat faded, with top right corner clipped, usual toning and soiling, but overall VG, with the signature in particular extremely sharp and fine. On April 13, 1861, after over 32 hours of shelling, Ft. Sumter's flag was knocked down by a cannonball. Soon after, negotiations began with Major Robert Anderson, the fort's commander, for its surrender. Anderson's men had withstood over 3,000 rounds of Confederate fire without a single fatality, but fires were burning out of control and food and other supplies were dwindling. Not until the following day was the fort formally surrendered, and during Sumter's 100-gun evacuation salute, a Union soldier was killed by a misfiring gun - the first casualty of the war. General Beauregard signed this photograph at the time of his greatest victory, the moment that would earn him an immortal place in American history! (imagea) (Image)

Est. $2,500-3,000

SOLD for $2,400.00
Will close during Public Auction