2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
War-date Confederate medical staff non-commissioned officer's battle letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Hospital Steward David F. Kagey (1834-1923), 25th Virginia Infantry, "Camp Ewell Med. Dept., Terry's Brigade, Feb. 7, 1865" reading, in part: "…we had another hard battle yesterday & [the] day before. Fighting is still going on this cold, sleety inclement morning…Sunday morning about 10 o'c. Gordon's division received orders to move out at once, that the enemy had driven in our pickets and were advancing on our right about 4 miles from our camp. They were repulsed. Yesterday they advanced again and Gordon's & Pegram's divisions engaged them. The battle raged furiously till after dark, they first driving our men…ours in turn driving them. At night we had driven them 3/4 of a mile beyond our works. The battle is going on furiously at present. There has been heavy skirmishing all day. Our division is not engaged just now. Hill's & part of Anderson's Corps…are fighting today. The 25th had 2 killed or 1 killed, 1 mortally wounded, since died & 4 others wounded. Tell Dr. Miller Eli Simmons was killed on the field. Amos Propts mortally wounded, died this evening. Sergt. Dawson was wounded in the ankle. McCurdy through the arm. Snider badly wounded in thigh. Peyton slightly wounded in leg. we have gotten along tolerably well considering the inclemency of the weather…our brigade…have not had more than 6 or 8 wounded today. They were sharpshooters. The fighting has ceased for the day…it may be renew again in the morning, but I hope it may be deferred to better weather…I was out near the battlefield yesterday till after dark. I got back to our quarters about 2 o.'c. last night. Have been pretty busy since. This has been rather an unexpected fight. You need not tell Dr. Miller about the wounded. I will write him a little note in accordance with Dr. Henkel's request and will tell him about our wounded. I hope he will remain at home…as the fight will be decided anyhow before he could return…Gen. Pegram was killed yesterday evening I am sorry to say, also Lt. Col. Huston from Harrisonburg of the 33rd Va. Reg. Our Brig. has not had many killed yet, but a good many wounded…Saml. Tusing was wounded in arm, not badly-flesh wound. All of the Caspar's boys unhurt…D. F. K." The original Confederate postally used transmittal cover is included. Near fine.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.