Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
Confederate Stonewall Brigade letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. John W. Middleton (1835-1907), Co. H, 27th Virginia Infantry, (WIA & POW Pickett's Charge, Gettysburg 7/3/63), Camp near Winchester, [Va.], Feb. 28, 1862, in part: "…we were surprised yesterday evening by an order to load our wagons and get ready to move as quickly as possible…we came closer to town and…are lying here yet…the enemy came to Charlestown last evening from Harpers Ferry…but i heard…that they have gone back…all our men have left Martinsburg and all the points below here…the teams are all busy hauling guns, ammunition, military stores etc from here to Strasburg. I do not suppose Gen. [Stonewall] Jackson will try to hold this place if attacked by the enemy. I do not believe we could raise five thousand men all told it would be sheer madness to try to whip 15 or 20 thousand Federals with this handful, but madness and fanaticism reigns supreme now…there is no telling what will be attempted by our leaders. They do not care…what becomes of the men so that they get off safe…I am of the opinion that all the fighting we do now will only make things worse…I am convinced that the south will be overrun this summer…I hope they will defer any active measures in this section till my time expires as I do not care about being a martyr for the south. I do not covet the glory gained by battles…J. W. Middleton…". The original transmittal cover is included. Both overall VG
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.