Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A great war-date Confederate soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by 1st Sgt. James W. Biggs, [WIA Antietam Campaign, 9/08/62 & Shepherdstown, Va., 7/15/64], Co. C, 2nd Virginia Cavalry, "4 miles from Winchester, Va., Sept. 1, 1864", in part: "…we are now grazing our horses in a field on the Berryville Pike…we have had several small engagements & one pretty severe one since I wrote…last…I have been very fortunate so far…we fought nearly all day last Sunday [battle of Berryville, August 21, 1864]…and drove the Yankees about 5 miles on foot & mounted cavalry, drove them some 5 miles…we lost one good soldier from our company, W. D. Craddock was mortally wounded; and…has since died [8/24/64]. I am very sorry of it. Major [Cary] Breckinridge was wounded [in the thigh] on that day; but not very badly. Capt. Breckinridge [promoted colonel 2/28/65] has been comdg. the regiment ever since as Col. Mumford is comdg. the Brig. & I have had command of my company as none of our Lieuts. are here. We drove the Yankees back to Harpers Ferry &…we drove them across the Potomac into Williamsport & shelled them awhile then left…we could have crossed the river but did not want to cross. The Yankee Cavalry are doing the most of the fighting as the infantry say they don't intend to fight. Some of them told the citizens, as they passed up the Valley, that they would just as soon jump onto some of their wells and drown…as to go…to fight the Rebels. We have fallen back again up the Valley near Winchester after we thrashed all of the wheat and hauled it off. We are getting splendid flour now…our men look much better than those down about Petersburg. I think we will have peace this year…don't you?…the Yankees are getting about tired of war. Our men are all in fine spirits…you have paid a visit to our neighborhood…[and] you found them all complaining…of starving…I…wish some of those folks that complain some much had to live on soldier's rations for one week…when we came over here on this pike we expected to have a fight as the Yankee cavalry were driving our pickets but…they have gone back…J. W. Biggs…direct…to Co. C 2nd Va. Cav. Winchester…". Minor soiling, else VG
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