2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
Rare war-date Confederate Autograph Letter Signed by Colonel Charles Olmstead, 1st Georgia Infantry, 2pp. quarto, Fort Wagner, Morris Island, July 14, 1863, with integral leaf addressed to his wife with bold "10" and "CHARLESTON S.C. JUL 15" datestamp, franked by Col. Olmstead in top left corner, it reads in part: "...I keep perfectly well darling and have not been touched by any of the missiles of the enemy. Thanks to the protecting one of Almighty God. After the assault on Saturday morning ...the Yankees gave us a few hours' rest and then three of their monitors came up to within 600 to 700 yards of the fort and opened a terrific fire upon us, the wooden gun boats stood off at a longer distance joining in the fire however. This lasted until fully near dark and resulted in only a few holes in our sand works, which were filled up the same night and in wounding a few men slightly. On Sunday the firing continued but one of the monitors coming up, that one was...injured by the fire of our 10-inch gun for the one hit repeatedly fired but two shots herself and evidently moved off with difficulty. In fact, it is reported that she was seen transferring her men to another repel that afternoon. Though I cannot vouch for that. Two of our men were killed this day and a few wounded. None from my immediate command. Yesterday the wooden gun boats alone bombarded hurting no body or nothing. The men are in excellent spirits but nearly worn out with constant watching and working...Remember that God is as much protection here amidst the actual horrors of war, as in times of profound peace and that nothing can happen to me except it be his will...I learn that Charlie May is over on James Island. In that case we will not be likely to meet..." Fine condition.
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