Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
Confederate sharp shooter letter written by “Marsh (S.) (Bryson)” who enlisted on 5/1/1862 as a private on 5/1/1862 into "K" Co. SC Palmetto SharpShooters. The four page letter is datelined Camp near Rapidan River, Orange Co., Va., Sept. 25th, 1863, and reads in part, “The fellows who were there before us had been shooting at them and they the Yanks were as shy of us as you please. We concluded we would talk to them awhile. So we called them down to the river & had a chat about the skill of our mutual generals, our past battles, etc. They said whenever old Abe sent Negroes into their army they would all go home. They seemed to think however that they would succeed in conquering us. ... the big fight has not come off here yet. Mr. Meade’s will seems to be good to come; but he remembers that he will have to meet good old daddy Lee’s veterans - men who know nothing of defeat, I suppose his heart fails him, or at any rate he doesn’t come. I do not say this as boasting in our own strength, for this army has long since learned to trust in Him who ruleth the winds and seas, & who can, if he will, make us triumphant over our enemies. ... The news from Bragg in the west has sent rays of hope to many a desponding heart, & if true, it will illumine our whole political horizon & restore confidence to the people in our final success. ... Immediately after our arrival we formed a line of battle & commenced fortifying. They are now completed & we are in camp again close to the works & near the river. The line of fortifications are thrown up on a range of hills extending for miles along the river on commanding ground. It is a splendid position & we all feel pretty confident that we can hold against any odds Mr. Meade may send against us. ... We are here now in a perfect Wilderness – nothing hardly but woods, brush & undergrowths for miles & are fortifying opposite what I believe is called Germanna Ford. The position is not so good as the other, but we can make it strong by sufficient digging. We are now about 8 or 10 miles from the great battlefield of Chancellorsville, on the plank road leading from Culpepper Co., Va. to Fredericksburg. The Yanks are on the opposite bank of the river and our men talk with them every day. ... P.S. I forgot to tell you that I have been appointed Sergeant in our company.”
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