Raynors 2020-05 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2020
War-date Union soldier Autograph Letter Signed, "Edwd Summers" 6th Kentucky Cavalry, 4pp. octavo, Macon, Georgia, May 11, 1865, and reads in part: "...We arrived here on the 30th of Apr. after a long and toilsome march of 41 days. We had an abundance of fighting and some of as hard fighting as I ever before witnessed and I am sorry to say to you that my Regiment has suffered greatly. We lost in the two first day's fight near Tuscaloosa, Alabama 109 men. My company lost 11 men tho we came out victorious in every battle. We marched 820 miles and took the following towns and cities Jasper, Eliton, Tuscaloosa, Selma, Mt.Gomery, Columbus, West Point, Numan, Oxford, Talladega, Forsyhes, Macon, and many other towns. Capturing in all from the 22nd of March up to the 21st of April 9000 prisoners 301 pieces of artillery, 7500 stand of small arms 6800 head of horses and mules 13 locomotives and 5 large trains, 800 wagons, and burnt every bridge, depot, foundry, machine shop, factory, mill, commissary and all of the Government property from the Tennessee to within a few miles of the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama. And Georgia was suffering from our flaming torch when the armistice was granted and by this time would of been like here sister state Alabama a heap of smoldering ruins. But the armistice was granted and that put a stop to all hostilities and the result is peace. Lee and Johnston has both surrendered their Armies to Genls. Grant and Sherman and all of the Rebel force east of the Chattahoochie River has delivered up their arms. The Rebels is whipped the war is over and peace is declared and in a short time I hope to be at home to tell the horrible events of this unholy war. There are thousands of paroled rebel prisoners arriving here on every train from the east en route for their homes all satisfied with their Southern rights and willing to give up the contest. We are encamped on the Ocmulga River at the Eastern edge of the city of Macon. Macon is a beautiful city and abounds with wealth. During the last 3 months I have seen much of the sunny south I have seen many most beautiful sceneries as well as some horrible scenes. But thank God the War is over the deafening cannon is no longer to be heard in our midst nor the sharp report of the musket and the flaming torch are extinguished and a peaceful smile is on every man's countenance. I will tell you the rest of my story when I come home have something good to drink and I will do the talking...Direct your letter to Co. B 6th Ky. Cav. 1st Brigade, 1st Division Cav. Corps…" About VG. Edward Summers served from 1861 through 1865 with the 6th Kentucky Cavalry, making rank of sergeant.
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