Raynors 2020-05 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2020
Confederate officer's battle letter, 2pp. 4to., written by 1st Lt. Abner Newton Steele, [KIA Glendale, Va., June 30, 1862], Co. G (North Port Rifles), 11th Alabama Infantry, "Camps 4 miles from Richmond fronting the enemy, [Va.], June 7, 1862," to his wife Eleanor Caroline (Thompson) Steele (1825-1906), in part: "This letter leaves me out in the woods without tents…or any comforts whatever. We left our camps in Richmond…a week ago (31st ult.) marched six miles and engaged in the fight [at Seven Pines] late in the evening. The 5th & 6th Ala. Regmts. had taken one of the enemy's batteries with eight fine pieces of cannon. The enemy were about to make a charge on it to retake it and…would of done it for the 5th & 6th Regmts. were badly cut up and fatigued from fighting all day…the 11th was double quicked in under heavy fire [and] took our position in good order…remained for one hour…the bullets whistling like hail all the time. All hands fought bravely…as we got them in position to charge…they left in a hurry. We them marched forward about one mile…and took another position, laid down on the wet ground and slept…we were aroused by sharp fighting on our left…formed a line of battle and watched for the enemy…but they did not appear on our front. We were then ordered to the left when they fired a galling fire into us from behind…and retired…we did not get a fair clatter at them anytime during the two days fight. We were relieved that night and went into camp. The fight was in a swamp and it had been raining incessantly for several days. The mud and water was about from half leg to crock deep all the time…our men encamped near the battle field and on the line where we expect to fight again as soon as the Yanks get ready…this morning…the enemy have fallen back across the Chickahominy. We may commence fighting in one hour or it may be ten days…the loss of our Regmt. was about sixty killed & wounded. Col. Moore [former Alabama Congressman and Alabama militia general, Sydenham Moore MWIA Seven Pines, Va., 31, 62] was wounded severely in the thigh. Col. Hale is now in command…our company had only two men wounded (Brewer & Cox). Brewer's leg was amputated. Cox is slightly wounded in the shoulder. None…others men of your acquaintances [were wounded] …wounded in the 11th Miss. Regt. George Steel in the arm…we are now experiencing the realities of war. Richmond is a hospital. All business stopped…if the Yankees get too close to you fall back into Walker [County]…all our boys stood the fire like men. We are in fine health. I am…well as ever and gone through more hardships in the last ten days than I ever did…if…things are quieted. I will try to get a furlough to come home…A. N. Steele." Negligible spotting, else VG.
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