2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
A great war-date Union soldier's, 4pp. 8vo., battle letter written in ink by Pvt. Albert J. Whitley, Co. C, 141st New York Vols., Raleigh, N. C., April 19, 65 to his sister concerning his regiment's advance from Goldsboro into Raleigh, N. C. to end the war, reading, in part: "…we left Goldsboro the 10th our Brigade in advance. We took the main road to this Town…we soon met the Reb Pickets and drove them back upon their reserve. They too after a short fight fell back, we met them near night…& this time in a large Swamp. Our Regt & the 123rd N. Y. was on the skirmish line and had a warm time but soon dislodged them…there were two killed in the 123rd and 4 wounded. At the end of the fourth day we reached this Town, Wheeler's Cavalry, having just gone through the place. Johnston soon met our Cavalry under Stoneman…he saw that his [Johnston's] retreat was cut off, and that Sherman's Army was marching to give him battle, and at this Juncture he [Johnston] proposed to Surrender his army to Sherman. So we pitched our tents again…all foraging is done away with now…this was a City of 7000 inhabitants before the war. It is located…on high ground, and is…a fine looking Town. There is a large insane Asylum here, and well filled too. The town is fortified on all sides, and yet we took it without firing a gun…we have but little to do now. Lee and Johnston, having gone up the spout, undoubtedly the War will soon end…the army can soon be disbanded and…the soldier boys can return home soon…". Whitley enlisted in August 1862 servicing in southern Virginia, in the Atlanta Campaign until he was wounded at Resaca, Ga. on May 15, 1864, and Sherman's March to the Sea. Before being discharged he was promoted to sergeant. Some spotting, else very good.
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