Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
An excellent war-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Harrison Henry Barnard, Co. G, 3rd New York Cavalry, "Camp in the field near Petersburg, Va." June 20, 1864, in part: "…I have not got much time to write…as we have orders to march with three days rations at 3…in the morning…I have considerable to do to get ready. We have had rather exciting times here for the last week and some hard fighting…it has cost a fearful price in life and limb. The battle commenced on Wednesday morning and lasted…until Friday when the last line of Reb works were carried…the Rebs skedaddled for the town. Our division under command of Gen. Kurtz participated in the fight on Wednesday…a portion of our brigade (the 1st) dismounted and made a charge upon the Reb breastworks led by Col. Mix who was acting Brig. Gen. in command of the brigade…they were deceived as to the force behind the works and were driven back. The Col. was mortally wounded in the head by a piece of shell and was taken prisoner…we learned by some prisoners…that he died the same night…our loss aside, aside from the Col., was light…our Regt. feels the loss of the Col. severely…he was a first rate man and we shell not get another…I happened to be on picket…one of our fellows had his horse killed under him by a piece of shell and another one, by the name of Odett, accidentally shot himself with a pistol on Wednesday night and did not live only about three minutes. He did not speak after he was shot…the whole matter as to how the accident happened is shrouded in mystery…this accident has cast a gloom over the whole Co as he was a jovial wide awake…all of the Army of Potomac is here…the 5th Corps is on the other side of the Appomattox…it has been comparatively quiet since Friday…the ball (Lanagan's ball) [as] the boys call it will open tomorrow and there is no knowing when it will end or what will be the result…the next place will be Richmond. Grant is a fighting man and he has got good fighting men under him…they intend to take Richmond & wind up this war as soon as possible, but I tell you, they are a hard looking set and they fairly worship their commander altho he does march and fight them pretty hard . They will abuse him in conversation and will wind up by saying…he is the best general we have ever had. H H. B." Also included is a 3pp. 8vo., letter written by Harrison from Louisville, Kentucky concerning his exchange after being paroled following being captured. He also mentions friends and/or family members who have been drafted and of their attempts to purchase substitutes. Signed in full "H. H. Barnard. Both letter with light soiling, else VG (2 letters)
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