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, 5pp. 8vo., written by Hospital Steward David F. Kagey (1834-1923), 25th Virginia Infantry, "Camp Ewell Med. Dept., Terry's Brigade, Seven miles south of Petersburg, Va., Feb. 25, 1865" reading, in part: "…received a letter from Dr. Miller…requesting that an ambulance may meet him at Dunlap's Depot today. I regret it was not received yesterday…we sent an ambulance there this morning which will convey him here…during the battle last week it was exceedingly cold…I was out most of Monday night, the C's[?] suffered considerably…have no cause to complain as many others have endured all the hardships of the fight and cold…our wounded have all been well cared for. The killed [were] gently interned, as all our killed and wounded were received. The enemy would sometimes force our men back. Ours in turn drove the Yankees on Sunday night…with our men 3/4 mile in advance of our picket line. On Monday the enemy had moved their forces 3 miles farther to our right where they advanced with four corps…Gordon's & Pegram's divisions first met them. A stubborn fight continued most of the day. Mahone's division of Hill's Corps arrived on the field a little before sunset. The fight continued till after dark. This was the heaviest day fighting…that was the day our brigade lost most…in very little fighting on Tuesday. The loss in Terry's Brigade was 10 killed & 8 wounded some 8 or ten have since died. It has been very quiet ever since. The enemy have not advanced their lines, but have extended them…some 3 miles longer. Our brigade has been throwing up fortifications ever since the fight making them stronger. The Yankees did not get any part of our breastworks [were] the fighting was principally beyond…I am pleased to see the people rousing up to a sense of duty…I got another pair pants…would like to get goods for a new coat. Should Billy go to Mr. Matthews ask him to get me 5 or 10 ids. nice grey cloth as he promised me…where is Eliza…tell her she must quit reading novels &…reach [for] Her Bible instead of novels…it is 4 O'c. p. m.. Dr. Miller has just arrived safely in the ambulance…Dr. Caspar [C. Henkel] has just put on his new coat. It fits splendidly. He is very much pleased with it…your Brother, D. F. K…". Minor soiling, else VG.
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