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), "Camp near Hamilton's Crossing," [Va.], May 11, 1863, in part: "…you have received all the particulars of the battle before this…I will not rehearse them for it causes sad thoughts. Our loss is estimated from 8 to 10,000. I think it greatly exceeds that number. Gen. [Stonewall] Jackson died last evening. There was a detail made from our brigade to escort his remains to the train. I ma very fearful that the enemy will make another forward movement when they hear of his death…the escort will go as far as Lexington. I would like to be on it…I would give anything to be at home…oh, that this cruel war would close that we could return to our homes and our friends. Oh, the gloom…this battle will spread over Rockbridge. She suffered greatly. A man made a remark…that struck me with force. He said all the original secessionists were getting killed…I hope there will not be another man killed. I hope our rulers will come to their senses and make some kind of compromise. Anything in preference to this war…after hard fighting we did on…2 May they did not give us half enough to eat. We have not eat[en] anything today. They give us praise for gallantry…[but] will not satisfy the cravings of nature. I would advise them to dispense with tier praise and give us something more substantial…our stock of provisions are nearly exhausted. If they do not feed us better there will be done since the war…I what to send my overcoat, a horse brush and blacking brush that I picked up on the field…it is reported that the Yankees tried to cross at Kelly's Ford last night but were driven back. Oh, how I dread the second engagement. Some of our officers think that we will move forward in a few days. General Longstreet has moved up to Gordonsville. If we have to fight the sooner the better. I what this war to stop...J. W. M." Overall VG
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