Raynors HCA 2020-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. John F. Sherrick, [MWIA Fisher's Hill, Va. 9/22/64], Co. E, 34th Ohio Vols. (Piatt's Zouaves), Charleston, W. Va., Dec. 26, 1863, to his cousin concerning a diversionary raid upon Salem, West Va. In an effort to break Confederate General Longstreet's siege at Knoxville, Tenn. the Union high command ordered Union cavalry commander William A Averell to disrupt the Confederate's supply line by attacking the rail depot at Salem, West Virginia. To help accomplish this task he ordered four diversionary raids including one towards Lewisburg, W. Va. On December 8, 1863 Averell marched from Harpers Ferry and arrived at Salem exactly one week later, but General Eliakim P. Scammon's command, including the 34th Ohio, tasked with feigning assault upon Lewisburg, abandoned their assignment the day before on December 14th in the fear that the Confederate forces were after them. On 16 December, Averell made a dash for Salem, a small college town and railroad depot. It was a supply depot for operations in eastern Tennessee. His men captured a Confederate quartermaster who was sent out on patrol and Averell and his men able to destroy numerous amounts of provisions meant for Longstreet's army along with ripping up over sixteen miles of track, and destroying six bridges, three mills, and 175 rebel supply wagons. The raid occurred during harsh winter conditions and is a testament to the leadership of Averell and the endurance of his troops. It caused three to four weeks of logistical problems for the Confederates and in turn led to a decline in the morale of Longstreet's troops and an increase in desertions. Averell's casualties were seven drowned, seven wounded and 130 captured. About half of his troops were no longer fit for duty with many suffering from hypothermia. Averrell's raid helped end Longstreet's campaign in East Tennessee since most of the supplies destroyed at Salem were intended for his command. The letter reads, in small part: "Christmas has come & gone but brought nothing unusual…except a few more drunk men. New Years…will be ditto…I have been on another scout to Lewisburgh for the purpose of attracting & holding forces so that Gen. Averill could be successful in reaching the R. R. which…he did and destroyed a quantity of stores with some fifteen miles of R. R…near Salem. The whole plan was a success with the exception to take force enough to have held the road for a week so that its destruction could have been more complete and permanent. Since I have been inservice I have marched on foot over 3000 miles & on horse back 1,100. How much is before me God only knows…I would reenlist next week, but I cannot thus. I am glad to learn that so many of the Copperheads are getting their eyes open enough to get ashamed of their party. May the number rapidly increase who truly repent of their wicked deeds and mend their ways in the future…thanks be to him who giveth us the victory…our chaplain is absent much of the time & never preaches a practical gospel sermon that will feed the hungry soul…your, J. F. Sherick, Co. E, 34th Regt. O. V. M. I., Charleston, W. Va." The original stamped transmittal cover postmarked "Kanawha C. H. Va., Dec. 28, 1863" is included. After dying of his wounds in a Baltimore, Maryland hospital he was buried in that city's Loudon Park National Cemetery. Near fine.
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