Raynors 2020-05 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2020
Letter written and signed by E(rastus) N(ewton) Bates, who, in1862, he mustered into the 80th Ill. Vol. Inf. as a major. Bates fought at the battle of Perryville in Oct. 1862, and was captured by Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry in May 1863. Held in Libby Prison, he escaped for a brief time in Jan. 1864, but was quickly recaptured. Illness prevented Bates from participating in the escape of 109 of his fellow officers from Libby on Feb. 9, and he was soon transferred to a prison in South Carolina. Released in Sept. 1864, Bates returned to his regiment as lieutenant colonel in Jan. 1865, and was mustered out in June with the rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers. The ink letter is 1pp., to Doctor N.W. Abbott, in ink with some blotting. Datelined, Libby Prison Richmond Va., Feb. 14th, 1864. In full, My dear doctor, Yours of the 14th is rec'd. Write again. My interest in sympathy for them increases daily. I hoped to have seen you before then On the 29th I escaped. Exhaustion and sickness was the cause of my recapture 18 miles from the city - I am still weak. I can only write six lines a week. Have you re'cd any letter from me? My kind regards to chaplain Sevill & all officers & men. E.N. Bates, Maj."
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