2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
War-date Confederate medical staff non-commissioned officer's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Hospital Steward David F. Kagey (1834-1923), 25th Virginia Infantry, "Camp near Pisgah Church, Head Qr. 2nd Brigade, A. N. Va., April 14, 1864," reading, in part: "…succeeded in getting to ride to camp with my box…I have been closely engaged…assisting Dr. Miller in all that I can…things seem[ed] a little…awkward at first…Dr. Caspar [C. Henkel] was on picket when I arrived at camp…they had a hard time of it…the army picket by brigade. Dr. Caspar Henkel's Brig., the 3rd Brigade came off last picket last Monday, was relieved by the 4th brigade of this corps, Ewell's. Next Sunday this, the 2nd Brig. will go on picket on the Rapid Ann about 10 miles from camp…our regiment…will be ordered to Gen. Imboden's command in the Valley to make another tramp to western Va. for cattle. Most of the 25th are from West Virginia. One company from Augusta & one from Rockbridge. The other eight companies are from western counties. Col. Higginbotham [twenty-one year old, John C. Higginbotham, KIA Spotsylvania, Va., shot through the heart, 5/10/64] is from Upsher Co. Lt. Col. Lily [Brigadier General Robert Doak Lilley, (1836-1886) Promoted General June 2, 1864 & POW Winchester, Va., 7/20/64] is from Augusta. the regiment…is Gen. Johnson's 'Pet' regiment. In every fight he orders them to be thrown out as skirmishers…they always march in front…it now numbers about 400 men for duty. They are…a fine looking set of soldiers…I like Col. H. - Lt. Col. L. very much…should we go to Western Virginia I will…make some arrangements to keep a horse. Most of the horses get very thin here…we are making preparations for a move…extra baggage is being sent to the rear. There will be a deserter shot today belonging to this brigade. We all have to witness it…we have a very good little cabin about 10 feet square with a tent to cover the top…we drew molasses coffee several times since I am here…direct your letters…25th Regiment Va. Inft., Gen'l. J. M. Jones' Brigade Johnson's Division, A. N. Va….D. F. Kagey." Some spotting, else VG.
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