Picquetting After Shiloh & Surrender.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2022

A great Confederate soldier's letter, 3pp. legal size folio., written by Pvt. Henry J. Carter, Col. [William] Wirt Adams (1st Mississippi) Cavalry regiment, "Camp near Corinth, Miss., May 16, 1862, to his wife reading, in part: "I have just returned from an eight day tour on outpost duty - we were ordered to go to Burnsville on the Memphis & Charleston R. R. to relieve a company of our regt. which had been picquetting there for some time. Before we reached that place we learned that they had been ordered to fall back to Jacinto and join the command of Col. McNary - so we relieved them there - we had the best of mineral water to drink and as healthy a camp as I could wish - we went where the enemy had been a day or two since but saw no Yankee. While our company was there nearly all the balance of our Regt went on a scout and meeting about a thousand of the enemy a sharp skirmish ensued in which we whipped the enemy, killed quite a number, took several prisoners and lost one man killed and six wounded. It was considered a very brilliant exploit - the enemy is maneuvering for an advantage and we are strengthening our position every day. Not a day passes without more roles fighting and the cavalry have the most of it to do. It is more dangerous and less honorable than the part we should probably play in a general battle - I sent 50 dollars to you by Mr. Wm. Partridge - he was to give it to the station agent at Crawfordsville - you must be as economical as possible - until we can get some more. I am glad you are not as bad off as many wives of our volunteers - who are suffering for the lack of sufficient fuel and clothing - I could take no sort of enjoyment in the service if I knew that you were likely to have to depend upon the care of the Soldier's Aid Societies - I am hoping that you will get a hospital at C. but you must not forget to reserve your energies for one more patient in case I get sick. You must not devote your leisure moments to the sick for if you do I know you yourself will be a candidate for a hospital. None but ladies of robust health and hardy constitutions can do much in a hospital - it is very sickly here now. The water is perfectly nasty and poison - I am afraid we shall all be sick - I have no idea of leaving the service until the close of the war. No patriotic man can dos o. If I was enlisted for a shorter time I would not wish to quit till the war is ended. I do not know when it will end but I am in hopes it will be soon. O how I hope we shall gain a great victory here and drive back the foe and regain old Tenn. once more and I think it not improbable - we may have to attack the enemy as we begin to think that we are to be wearied out waiting for an attack. It is reported that the enemies men are sick and dying by hundreds in the swamps where they are now lying. I think it quite probable. The river is falling very rapidly and it is thought that the gunboats will have to leave or stand a chance of capture - the chances are very good for our marching into Tenn. before summer is over - your devoted husband, Henry." Also included is the original "Due 5" transmittal cover with "Corinth, Miss., May 16" cancel on the verso. Docketed: "H. J. Carter. Prv., Com. C., W. Adams' Regt." in the upper left corner. Fully transcribed. Overall VG to near fine.

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