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, "Hupps Hill, Shenandoah Co., Va., August 12, 1864," reading, in part: "We have slowly fallen back again having left Darksville for Maryland the second time…we crossed the Potomac at Shepardstown…camped at Sharpsburg…next morning…we took the Hagerstown road…marched…6 miles…when we suddenly filed to the left coming back to Williamsport [and] recrossing the river the same day…camped at Falling Waters…we come to Newtown & had a little fight [battle of Newtown, August 11, 1864] with the Yankees in the evening. Our Brigade had 10 killed & wounded. It was only a skirmish. This morning the army fell back…& is now in line of battle awaiting the approach of the Yankees who are now making efforts to cross Cedar Creek. Skirmishing [is] going on now. One of our brigade just come in wounded. We may have to fight here this evening. I hardly think Gen. Early intends going father back without a battle. We will know tomorrow…[I] could get no goods [while] in Maryland…we expect to go to Pennsylvania zoon [and] will then have an opportunity to get goods…I believe it best not to get the flour from Capt. Koutz yet. Maybe the Yankees would take it if they should get up the valley & find so much in the house. But do as you think best…Dr. Henkel & I called to see the Winchester ladies on our way up yesterday. Very clever. Had a nice time. We are living tolerably well. Have had "Roasting Ears" several times. Had as many peaches…as I could eat. Our wounded of yesterday & those left at Winchester are being sent up the Valley today…Dave…[Camp Fisher's Hill, Saturday, August 13, 1864]…the army fell back here last night…do not expect to fall back further. We had four wounded men in our brigade yesterday on skirmish. The army is making breastworks & throwing up fortifications. Tell Dr. J. B. S.[trayer] to send me fifty of a hundred dollars in Confederate New Issue Money. I will return it soon. I have not been able to draw money yet from the Government…I have concluded to keep 5 ids. of Grey cloth [that] I got of Mr. Mathews. I wanted Dr. H. & M. to keep it all but they would not have it…they thought perhaps I would not get mine…[Camp Fisher's Hill, Sunday morning, August 14, 1864]…we are camped 1 miles north of the 4 mile house. It is said the Yankees are falling back. We heard cannonading toward Front Royal yesterday. Perhaps Longstreet's forces are there. If so, we got to Maryland again. I would like…to get home…but no chance…unless the army falls back …I wrote on my knee. Excuse bad penciling." Minor soiling, else VG.
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