Dark Clouds of War Part and The Sky Brightens For This Virginian in 1865

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, "7 miles from Richmond, Va., Mar. 26, 1865", in part: "…we are yet in our old camp near Mechanicsville Va. 7 miles from Richmond. We have been here…since the Yankee Raid 9 days [ago]. I don't think we will have the pleasure of staying in our cabins much longer…brother John…will start home tomorrow for another horse…I am going to try the dismounted battle awhile now……Buck Mays in now in the Chimboranzo Hospital…Buck says if he gets wounded this summer it will be by the hospital roof falling in on him…our prospects are beginning to brighten some now. We shall soon see the dark cloud that has been hanging over us rolled back…I never have despaired of our cause nor…shall as long as there is any hope left. I have heard of Lieut. [Edward Pendleton] Hayth's [horse killed from under him & WIA Tom's Brook, Va. 10/9/64] marriage…I understand there is to be another one in the vicinity of Jackson in April; Mr. Edward C. Kale [POW Kelly's Ford, Va., 3/17/63 & WIA Tom's Brook, Va., 10/9/64] of my company & Miss. Emma C. Pitzer. It seems that some are not disappointed in love…I don't think I shall be foolish enough to love again until this cruel war is over…we now have plenty of drilling…I ma glad to hear that fast day was so generally observed but…I did not fast as we are compelled through necessity…often enough. We were marching on that day after old Sheridan. I think we will go over on the South Side of the James. Rosser's division…has gone to the South Side today…you will hear of the fight down on our lines in front of Petersburg before this reaches you [and] we gained the victory…your devoted friend, James…". Light soiling, else VG

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