2020-07 2 sessions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2020
War-date Autograph Letter Signed by W.S. Campbell, 5th Alabama Infantry, 4pp. octavo, pencil, Camp near Darkville, Virginia, July 20, 1863, and reads in part: "...I expect that you have looked for some time in vain for a letter from me, as I have not written since at Chambersburg, Pa. and since then until now I have had no paper....After leaving Chambersburg we had a very pleasant march to Carlisle...At C. we remained two days and took up the line of march for that memorable place Gettysburg...There one of the most sanguinary engagements of the war took place, the loss on each side was very heavy. I went thro all, and thank the Almighty God escaped unhurt. After several unsuccessful attempts to carry the enemy position we retired in the direction of Hagerstown and there lay in line of battle two or three days. While there I was engaged in a skirmish in which two of our men were severely wounded....Our company suffered considerably at Gettysburg. Wm. Browntel and Wm. Harrell were killed. S.M. Hood, G.M. Pride, Jno. Bergin, R.M. Noland were wounded. Lieut Doss, H.D. Hawthorn and one or two others were captured...Everything certainly looks dark and gloomy now, but let us hope that God in his own way and time will come when its mild hand shall sway and we can all be together at home enjoying its blessings. The general impression here is now that we will return to Pa before a great while, but there is no one who knows I guess but Gen. Lee and his staff corps commanders beside the President and Sec of War. The general health of the army is very good, but I regret to say there a very great want of shoes and clothing. All are cheerful and desire to return into Pa. and give the enemy another turn on his own soil if we must fight again....I forgot to mention Mr. Ben Coleman of Memphis and Mr. Ab Gavin of Noxubee were killed. Nearly all of the Noxubee Rifles were killed or wounded..." Fine condition.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.