Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A great war-date Union soldier's battle letter, 3 1/2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Robert A. Hubbel, Co. K, 14th New York State Vols., "Camp near Yorktown within 3/4 miles of Enemy's guns, Apr. 15, 1862," reading, in part: "We started…11th inst and proceeded along the Yorktown and Hampton road as far as Big Bethel…we were drawn in line…our skirmishers…reported there was a fort ahead of us with a body of troops. We were ordered on a charge…the boys started on a double quick…upon…a hill we discovered a small fort…entered the fort just as the rear guard of the enemy was leaving. No shots were fired by them but our sharp shooters were ordered to fire which they did…we gave 3 cheers and-rested-for we had our knapsacks on and were pretty well tired…we proceeded along our rout to within a mile of Yorktown fortifications…our battery immediately was drawn up and cleared for action. The frost commenced by firing shell and shot at the battery…the battery returned with spirit…few were killed…and some wounded in the infantry…it was a lively fire on both sides. They continued firing all the afternoon…the 4th Michigan was sent to support the battery…which…brought us in the rear of the battery in a pine woods. They threw shell at intervals of about 3/4 hours all next day. Elmer and myself were sitting…behind a large tree when there came a percussion shell…landed within 8 feet of us but did not burst. We…picked it up and took off the cap and emptied out the powder and have the shell…a deserter from their camp stating our shells…were very effective…one shell burst dismounting a gun, killing and wounding 26…for…3 or 4 days no firing has been done…we have not our siege guns placed, they having been delayed by the condition of the roads. We are preparing bridges & making roads…they…have an army of…70 to 80,000 and we about the same, they behind forts larger…than any I ever saw…they say…they are certain of whipping us…the [CSS] Merrimac came out and took 3 of our transports right under the guns of…Fort Monroe and [the] Monitor…towed them away…our sharpshooters are doing something in the way of picking off their gunners…many are seen to fall under their fire…the first afternoon…the rebels could be sen on the parapets…waving their hats…sharpshooters were sent out…and they did soon clear them from there. They would not let them fire one large gun…tomorrow we go on picket…R. A. Hubbel." Light soiling, else VG
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