Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
A rare Medal of Honor winner's war-date letter, 4pp. 4to., 1st Sgt. Wilmon W. Blackmar, Co. K, 15th Penn. (Anderson Troop) Cavalry, Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 15, 1864, to his father concerning the part the 15th played, while after marching to the relief of Knoxville, Tennessee in late 1864, ended up playing a role in raiding rebel strongholds throughout that part of Tennessee and western North Carolina. On January 14, 1864, at Crosby Creek, North Carolina, their regiment captured after a heated fight Confederate cavalry commander of the region, Brig. Gen. Robert Brank Vance who was the elder brother of the governor of North Carolina. Wilmon's letter, reads, in part: "…our Regt. the part at Knoxville with Col. Palmer has returned to Chatt. They are are in high spirits and glee and have under gone an entire revolution as regards Col. P. who is now almost worshiped where he was literally damned. They have seen very hard service and got a name for the great daring and bravery. The "Night Owls" and "Palmer's Men" are always welcomed. The loyal ones of E. Tenn. think thre never were such men and never refused to share their meal & bacon with them. They were constantly on the go and tell us that for 40 days some part was under fie and that they participated in 9 general engagements. They made more captures than any brigade and always held the advance. Gen. Vance and his men were among the number captured by our boys. The Gen. surrendered to Sergt. Anderson. Col. P. gave standing orders to the advance guard to "charge anything you see and we will come to your assistance." The boys are well mounted on captured beasts and many is the trophy brought back. The acting adjutant was killed and about 30 taken prisoners and wounded among them three captains. A great many had one and several two or three horses shot under them…only wonder…so few were wounded. The Col. is recommended by Grant for a star. In a speech the Col. spoke highly of the Regt. and said among other things…the great results attending the Regts movements was "Dash." The boys never refused to charge anything and by their surprises they made their name. The boys say the Col. sat and looked at Gen. Vance for about 10 minutes smiling the while. It was proposed that the Regt should go in as veterans and the proposal met with…much favor…the Col. will take the matter in hand and we shall see soon…Wheeler and Morgan are reported to be threatening our communications both by rail and river. We need horses to mount our cavalry properly and Govt. is shortsighted not to put on foot large cavalry forces to harass the enemy…I expect to be connected with the army as long as there [are] enemies on foot…Wilmon." Minor spotting, else VG
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.