Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
Union soldier's war-date letter, 3pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Montgomery Hickman, Co. I, 97th Illinois Vols., "Going Up the Mississippi River, Jan. 4, 1863", to his wife, in part: "…I am happy to inform you that I am still in the land of the living notwithstanding I have been in a small battle…it was hard enough in some parts of the field. We have been to Vicksburgh and have "seen the elephant". Two weeks ago today our fleet left Memphis with colors flying and went down the river to take Vicksburgh…today they are on their way back in a style that looks very much like a retreat. We landed about 10 or 12 miles from the place…the next morning [we] were marched out through a bottom towards the town. The fight had been begun before we landed and we could hear cannonading going on all day Sunday. Our regiment was not called on to do anything until Tuesday…we did not do much except to drive in the rebel pickets…we were treated to a shower of bullets and a few shells…close enough to convince us that we came to Mississippi at an unhealthy season…the battles on the left wing of the army was very severe and we have lost some valuable officers and I fear many good men. The only ones…from Fayette who were killed are Thod. McConkey and Lt. Luke Vance. We were kept in that wet, muddy bottom, on about half rations until Thursady night when the whole army retreated back to the boats…we were glad to "get out of the wilderness"…a good many have got sick from the exposure they under went…you and all others interested in the soldiers may just as well give up the idea of us getting home soon……if all or even half the rumors…are true this war is just now commenced and it will not surprise me a bit if I have to serve out my three years. I will do so cheerfully, if necessary, and then go again if they need me though at the same time I do not like soldiering . It is the most abominable dog's life a man ever led…M. Hickman." The original transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else VG
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