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, 3pp. (1p. cross hatch) 8vo., written by Hospital Steward David F. Kagey (1834-1923), 25th Virginia Infantry, "Hanover Junction…27 miles from Richmond, Monday afternoon, May 23, 1864," reading, in part: "…we arrived here all safe about 8 o'clock last night having made 23 miles & waded the river to boot. I stood the march very well…the people…ladies along the road [were] very kind-was not in any [?] house, but passed some neat eastern Virginia residences. The country through which we passed is very poor, but all have "darkeys" & seem to live easily. I…met an acquaintance of mine here today with…[Co. D, VMI] cadets-[Pvt.] Clendenin. They took the Fredericksburg train for Richmond today. He told me he had been to see you & spoke very highly of the treatment & hospitality showed them at New Market…he lamented [at] being so dirty & wanted to compliment me for being so clean, but I am an old soldier…no one could expect to be while marching in dust 6 in. deep…that's a small matter if Grant can only be whipped…it may seem to you that we are falling back but not so. This is…the line that Lee wished to bring Grant…Gen. Lee has received some 20,000 reinforcements within the last few days. The army is in fine spirits. The Yankees are within 2 miles of this point on the north side of the North Anna river skirmishing &…cannonading…I feel glad we have gotten to the R. R. Our wounded can be gotten away with much more ease…Johnson's division & Breckinridge's troops…will be thrown together…Breckinridge commands them…Ewell's corps moved out this evening towards the river to form line of battle. The whole face of the earth for miles…around is covered with men, horses & wagons trains coming in & going out to Richmond…my love to all…D. F. K." Overall VG.
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