2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2022
A great Confederate soldier's attack upon Corinth letter, 2 1/2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Henry J. Carter, Col. [William] Wirt Adams (1st Mississippi) Cavalry regiment, "Camp near Corinth, Miss., April [May] 5, 1862, to his wife reading, in part: "The last time I wrote you I was confident that a great battle would be fought at this place and indeed on the same evening the loud mouthed cannon commenced roaring at about 4 miles from here. The cannonading continued for about an hour and we were confident that a general attack had commenced. At night we received orders to be ready by daylight - with three days rations and plenty of ammunition. It seemed the enemy had pursued some of our picquetts until they came to where we had some cannon planted. These opened upon them with considerable effect. The next morning all was hustle and excitement, cavalry and infantry men in motion in every direction and batteries of artillery were moving with precision to their posts. We were in the saddle by 7 A. M. and after reporting to Gen. Bragg's Headqts. were ordered to go out until we could see the enemy and report his position and movements. We advanced cautiously from our entrenchments, passed over the scene of the skirmish of the previous evening but did not meet the enemy until we had reached Farmington about 4 miles from C. Here we saw their picquetts and near them their cavalry and infantry drawn up in line. We passed along their line for some distance and then returned and reported. It commenced raining - the roads were very muddy and bad - an attack upon this place may be deferred a day or two in consequence - a flag of truce came in three days since with a demand for the surrender of Corinth - giving Beauregard 5 day time in which to make up his mind. I do not know what the answer was. As I write heavy firing is going on in different directions, but whether it is fighting or the discharge of wet guns I do not know. We are in hourly expectation of a combined general onset from the enemy - we are confident of victory unless there is some gross mismanagement on our part. I care very little how some - as I am tired of the suspense and worried by continual skirmishing - we have heard various rumors about fighting in Va. but we have no authentic information from there. I am in hopes that we shall win the day there and if we do there and at Corinth - the prospects of the country will brighten everywhere, the fall of New Orleans and the Miss. notwithstanding. The rain has ceased and the sun is now shining cheerfully upon the wet ground - it is strange that when nature is so lovely and in her smiling mood men's hearts will not soften toward each other - but man is a strange being and will pervert not only the teachings of nature but her great and immutable laws - 7 companies have just gone from our regiment and I am expecting orders for the balance soon. When the great battle is fought - I will write to you. Don't think strange if you have to wait a while as if the enemy should retreat. We may be sent in pursuit and may have no chance to write for some days - your own, Henry." Also included is the original "Due 5" transmittal cover with "Corinth, Miss., May 5" cancel on the verso. Docketed: "Priv. H. J. Carter. Com. C., W. Adams' Regt." in the upper left corner. Fully transcribed. Overall VG to near fine.
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