2020-07 2 sessions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2020
War-date Union cavalryman's battle letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Frederick M. Klice, [DOD Jan. 1, 1865], Co. I, 20th New York Cavalry, to his nephew concerning the ambush of the 2nd United States Colored Cavalry on March 14, 1864 at Bowers Hill, Va. Col. Cole, commander of the 2nd U. S. C. C., in his after action report that, "all the men who took to the swamps when their horses were shot, except 2, as well as George Ames, Company K reported killed. I saw his horse blow up by a shell, and he under it…he crawled out and took the swamp, hiding his arms , as did two others when too hard pressed…the list now stands six killed…from the report of fugitives…the rebel loss…will exceed 50." The letter reads, in part: "…there was a fight close a week ago. The rebels attacked [the] 2nd Negro Cavalry and drove them back. We went out to render assistance but could not get a good position so we fell back. We expect a battle everyday. We was on picket just before the negro [regiment] but the rebels knowed better than to attack us…we had the new recruits come the other day tour company. You would have laughed if you had seen the ni**ars on the road, some without horses, some with no caps, but they fought well…direct Frederick M. Klice, Comp. L, 20th N. Y. Cav…". Minor toning and ink bleeds, else VG.
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