Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
War-date Confederate cavalry officer's letter, 3 1/3pp. 8vo., written by Capt. Zimmerman Davis, [WIA Lynch Creek, S. C., Feb. 26, 1865], Co. D, 5th South Carolina Cavalry, "Camp near Bellfield Depot, Va.", Dec. 29, 1864, to "Dear Capt.", in part: "I have been wanting to write to you for sometime…I will put it off no longer…after the fight of the 27th Oct in which Col. Jeffords was killed, yourself wounded Genl. Butler directed Col. Aiken to relieve me from serving as a. a. I. G. of the Brig. & place me in command of the Regt. Capt. Edwards who was in command of the Dismounted men of the Brigade having been approached upon the subject by several officers of the Regt informed me that in case Major Morgan was retired it was his wish that I should command the Regmt. and that he intended to wive his claims in my favor. The other officers…have done me the kindness to express their desire to have me command the Regmt…I have been told that Col. Aiken & Genls. Butler & Hampton would recommend my promotion though I have never solicited this…all these circumstances place me in a very awkward position during your absence as it may appear that I am taking advantage of your absence, hence my desire to write to you to let you now what was going on…I feel that I am asking you to do a great deal for me when asking whether you will also waive for me; for if I am …promoted at all I much prefer that it should be done with the consent of all parties & causing no unkind feelings on the part of anyone. It is simply asking you whether you will be satisfied to be major instead of Lt. Col.?…I have put the case to you clearly, plainly & candidly. You are not a very ambitious man are you? I am & I would like very much to be colonel of the old 5th…the Regmt needs reorganization very much, but being only the temporary commander I do not feel authorized to attempt to make many changes…we are now about 21 miles from Weldon, but will probably move back towards Stoney Creek as soon as the Rail R. is repaired…I suppose you have heard of the capture of Lt. Fraser at Stoney Creek…in regard to your absence I have you reported as "absent sick" as I knew the circumstances under which you went home. I tried to get the Brigade Med. Dr. to send you some sort of papers, but all that they could do was…order you to report to a hospital in Columbia so that from there you could apply for leave of absence…I hope your wound is healing up. Those wounds in the hand are very troublesome things…Zimmerman Davis". Light toning, else VG
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