Raynors HCA 2019-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2019
A great Texas pioneer soldier's letter, 2pp. folio, written by Pvt. James C. Cox, Co. A, Griffin's Texas Infantry Battalion, Fort Weir, Shell Bank, [Louisiana], April 28, 1863, in part: "On the 27th March we went onboard the John F. Carr from the Central wharf and made our start for Liberty…on the east side of the Trinity River where the Texas and New Orleans R. R. crosses the river. The oyes enjoyed themselves finely…shooting at alligators…the distance from Galveston to Liberty being about 110 miles…we taken the train fro Beaumont…several of the boys lost their hats & caps. Beaumont is situated on the west side of the Neches river…we arrived their…and found the Steamer Florida laying at the landing ready to receive and carry us to our place of destination…we went on board and steamed off for Grigsby's Bluff at which place four of the companies were stopped and head quarters established…we remained there until the next morning…the Shell Bank is situated on the east bank of the Sabine river some four miles of where it empties into the Sabine Lake (Company A is the only company…stationed at this place). Company B was carried to Sabine Pass…Capt. [Charles] Fowles of our gun boat [CSS Josiah Bell] with three privates was taken prisoner…on the 10th Apr. Head quarters with three of the companies was moved to Sabine Pass. Since that time 30 of our men and 14 of the Yankees had a small skirmish at the light house with terminated thus. Our loss 2nd Lieut. [Enoch T.] Wright of Co. B. Their loss one captain killed, some three or four wounded and five prisoners. Our company has been employed since we have been here…in cutting sod and sodding the battery it being formed of clam shells. They were too easy moved and rolled down by being tramped over [and] if not sodded over…I did not give the number of the killed and wounded in the battle of Galveston…I did not know the number…the Yankees have been flogging out our boys on Berwicks Bay, not so much fighting, as their was skedaddling. Our forces are said to have backed out until the Yankees have possession of Alexandria [La]…this command will receive marching orders shortly to reinforce Taylor. Banks is commanding the Yankee forces consisting of about 32,000 and ours about 5,000…the…boys are all well…J. C. Cox. Write to me how my stock is doing since the grass has got up." Negligible glue stain effecting left margin, else VG.
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