2020-01 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/18/2020
A truly touching war-date Confederate soldier's condolence letter, 1 1/3pp 4to., written by Pvt. John F. Davis, Co. K, (organized in Bartow Co., GA and known as the Rowland Infantry), 18th Georgia Infantry, "Camp near Richmond, Va., July 26, 1862", to "Dear Martha, Fannie & Jane", concerning the death of their brother Pvt. George "Washie" Scott at the battle of Gaines' Mill, Va., on June 27, 1862, reading, in part: "I call you because you feel near to me. You, as well as me, live to mourn the loss of a kind, true and affectionate brother. You must bear it the best you can. There are many who have lost their best friend. I can say that he was a good boy. He left this world without an enemy and I hope he gone happy. The whole company laments his loss. They all speak to praise him and no one knew him who did not love him. Washie was a brave soldier. He fell while marching gallantly onto the enemies' batteries through a shower of lead and bombs. He fell about one hundred yards before we got to the battery. At the time he fell there was one of our lieutenant's killed [Thomas Dowtin] and five others of our company wounded right around him right by his side. I was right on his side and escaped unhurt. I cant see how any of us missed getting killed. Washie's taking the fever was the cause of his death. Some of the boys saw Archie the other day. He was well. The boys are generally well. John Tucker [POW Fredericksburg, Va. 12/13/62 & KIA Chancellorsville, 5/3/63] has come to us. He is well. I cant say when we will be in another fight, but we are ready to defend our mothers, sisters and loved homes. You must take all things easy and trust in God who rules the battle. I will send you thirty two dollars by G. W. Ford or H. B. Landers [who had left Bartow Co, Ga. to go to the front to see his wounded son F. M. Landers who was wounded along with Washie. He died at Chimborazo Hospital, Richmond on July 9, 1862]…I have wrote to W. F. Scott to give me the power of attorney so that you can draw the balance of Washie's money…write soon to your affectionate friend and brother, J. F. Davis". Unfortunately, Davis was promoted 1st sergeant just days after this letter was written, but he would not survive the war and was killed in action during the battle of Chancellorsville. Expected soiling, else VG.
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