“Grant and Lee are in a race for Richmond”

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018

Three war-date Union soldier Autograph Letters Signed by Porter Phipps 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry, reads in part: “...[5/24/1864 Armory Hospital Ward J] Grant and Lee are in a race for Richmond, both armies are marching side by side. Latest news say that Grant is a little ahead. Lee has found his match this time. All here have great confidence in Gen. Grant. It is our hope that the coming 4th of July will celebrate the compete overthrow of this unholy rebellion. Grants army has been strongly reinforced. All the loses are made up. Our loss in the great battles of the Wilderness from what I can learn was very heavy. Most of the wounded here are slight wounds in teh hands, arms, legs, feet, etc. But there are some wounded through the body. They suffer a great deal...[7/8/64 Near Lighthouse Point, Va.] Our cavalry is present resting after the two months campaign in which time they did not get resting over a day at time...Gen Sheridan is not one of the sleepy kind...It is said they are to get horses & go to Maryland and help drive away the rebels that are trying to invade our state. They are driven to the idea of invading our state so as to draw away Gen. Grant that is winding around their capitol. They see no hopes for them with their railroads cut so they send off a force to get supplies & horses thinking they will destroy Grants plans here...They fight a great deal at night, it sounds fierce when all is quiet at night to hear the roar of artillery and heavy volleys of musketry. I think Grant will bring the ‘Johnnies’ to term in time...[7/25/64 Near City Point, Va.]Gen Grant is still working vigourously away at the siege of the City of Petersburg. Our troops are said to be mining the rebel forts. Time will show that this Army is not idle. I think Grant will bring the Rebel Capitol to terms this fall as he did Vicksburg last year. News from all quarters are very cheering indeed. Genl. Sherman has about occupied Atlanta, Ga. which is one of the great pillars that upholds the Rebellion & its fall will be a severe blow on the hopes of the Rebels. The rebel raid into Maryland did not amount to much for them. They are getting severly punished by our troops in pursuit of them & they will get but little of their provisions away with them...” Fine condition.

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