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. 8vo., written by Hospital Steward David F. Kagey (1834-1923), 25th Virginia Infantry, "Camp Hanover Junction…Virginia, May 26, 1864," reading, in part: "…we are cut off from all mail communications…the risk of it going through to New Market if the enemy are not there again. We had the report…they were advancing up the Valley again…both armies still confront each other at this place. There has been heavy skirmishing for several days, but no regular battle…I think Gen. Lee is prepared to meet Grant here, but…he seems to be unwilling to attack Gen. Lee in his fortifications. It is perhaps Grant's desire to parallel it a little nearer to Richmond & to besieged it as he did Vicksburg. If Grant attacks Gen. Lee here…he will be badly used up…Gen's Lee & Breckinridge can unite their armies more easily than Grant. Our army is fully as strong as it was the first day of the battle at [the] Wilderness. The Yankees have also reinforced considerably. Johnson's division & Gen. Gordon's brigade have been thrown together…Gordon commands them…it is raining this morning…the trains come in regularly…from Richmond…the Yankee's have possession of the Central Road about Beaver Dam…I took off my old pants yesterday. They were getting most too bad…don't send my pants & coat till I order them…some fellow has stolen my grey glove…the Yankee cavalry dashing around between us and the Valley. I feel very anxious to hear from New Market…the Richmond train has just come in with Finnigan's troops from Florida…forces from both sections of the country are collecting here and…one great battle will wind up this Grand Drama…[and] will no doubt be the last great battle this year &…of the war…affectionately, D. F. K." Overall VG.
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