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. (last page cross-hatched) 4to., written by Hospital Steward David F. Kagey (1834-1923), 25th Virginia Infantry, "Camp on Banks of Opequon Creek near Martinsburg, Va., July 30, 1864," reading, in part: "…I was shocked & pained to learn of Capt. R. S. Rice's death. Had heard…that he was wounded, but did not learn the nature of his wounds…Gen. Lilly [Robert Doak Lilley] is at Dr. Boyd's in Winchester with his arm amputated at shoulder joint. He fell into the enemy's hands when wounded [near Winchester on July 20, 1864]…they left him with the rest of our wounded in their hasty retreat from Winchester the 24th inst. We had heard he was dead, but…he is living and doing tolerably well…the R. Roads is being destroyed for many miles. Our cavalry are on another raid into Maryland…I have not drawn any money yet…if I had Yankee money, greenbacks, I could buy a few goods occasionally. "Confed." don't go well here. We can only use that in the enemy's country where they are forced to take it. I will try to gratify Sarah's wants if an opportunity offers. If I can't soon get…Geo. an oil cloth he can get one…I sent home. That was a splendid one I started by that old scamp. He sold it & pocketed the money. I gave him five dollars to carry it safely. I knew him & thought him honest, but alas he has forfeited all claims to honesty. Dr. Miller also sent a few articles by him all gone of course…our cavalry are across the [Potomac] river-had a little fight yesterday & captured a train of cars…the army is threshing & grounding the wheat of all this section. Most of the people are "Union". They dispose of their surplus to the enemy…Dave…[Darksville, 16 miles below Winchester & 6 miles south of Martinsburg, July 31, 1864]…we left our former camp today…the entire army has fallen back this far…to prevent the Yankees flanking us. The Yankees are said to be on the Charlestown Road…Hastily. Very hot today." Minor toning, else VG.
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