Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
A rare account of General Wade Hampton's first "beefsteak" raid which occurred nearly six weeks before what historians recognize as "the" famous Beefsteak raid which took place between Sept. 14-17, 1864. War-date Confederate cavalry officer's letter, 2pp. large folio, written by Capt. Alfred B. Mulligan, [WIA Burgess' Mill, Va., Oct. 27, 64], Co. B, 5th South Carolina Cavalry, "Camp of 5th So. Ca. Cavalry, Near Malone's Crossing", July 31, 1864, to his mother & sisters, in part: "…I have frequently seen a box of eatables from hoe opened by soldiers with eggs, ham, beard…all so completely spoiled that it would smell as badly as a Yankee who had been dead for a week. Not more than a fourth of the boxes sent to soldiers ever reaches them…yesterday morning Genl. Butler took a part of our Brig. & went down about 15 or 20 mile below this into the enemy's lines for purpose of getting forage, cattle, etc…while down there had a brush with the Yankees in which a few of the Brig. were killed and wounded. They brought back…several Yankee prisoners, a quantity of forage, cattle, etc…tomorrow we will have fresh beef, rations…my truck, camp chest…are all at the "South Carolina Soldiers Home" in Richmond. The place is kept by a Mr. McMaster…it is the old "Ballard Hotel". The object of this soldier's home is to give officers & soldiers from South Carolina a comfortable hotel at which they can stay…without having to pay exuberant prices. They only charge…bound there and allow officers & soldiers to deposit their baggage there for safe keeping. Of the important battles recently fought around Petersburg &…around Richmond also…I am in want of two good colored home spun shirts like the two you made for me……any plain cheek or stripe will do, not too dark & not too light…Frank was with the Brig….yesterday and had a hand in the fighting. He behaved gallantly…Frank is as brave as a lion…the present is a most important period in this war. The fate of our Country…greatly depends upon the issue of the present struggle around Richmond, Petersburg & Atlanta. While we are fighting with the sword, all Christians should be intervening in their prayers to God for success…Alfred B. Mulligan." Light soiling, 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.