Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
Confederate Stonewall Brigade letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. John W. Middleton (1835-1907), Co. H, 27th Virginia Infantry, (WIA & POW Pickett's Charge, Gettysburg 7/3/63), Centreville, Nov. 7-8, 1861, in part: "…we (Jackson's Brigade) were all in fine spirits as it was understood that we were to start to the valley in a day or two, but out joy was damped tonight by the rumor that the federal troops under General Kelley have marched from Romney and taken possession of Winchester. (I do not believe the report as Jackson is there and would give them a fight…he would certainly have sent here for reinforcements as he could have got them there by the time…the North troops could have marched there from Romney. We just now received an order to be ready to start on picket by 8…tomorrow morning…how little confidence [can we] place in orders even from head quarters…I hope we will be sent over to the valley, even if the Yankees are over there…I feel more interest in the people from that section of the state than any other. We might keep them from advancing further up the valley by taking a position and fortifying it…the storm the other day did us good service by scattering the Federal fleet and driving several of their vessels ashore. It seems the Lord is favoring our cause…if we do our duty…He will work for us…His ways are mysterious…it requires a good deal of faith to make one feel easy. I hope He will endow us with…faith…according to our faith…[Nov. 8, 1861]…we start for Winchester this evening. You ought to have heard the boys…when the Col. told them we were going. They could not have appeared more rejoiced…every company in the brigade is from the west of the Blue Ridge…it seems like starting home to start for the valley. I, for my part, would much rather start for Lexington, but as that cannot be, I am glad that we go to the valley...J. W. Middleton…". VG The original transmittal cover is included. VG
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