2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2022
A good Confederate soldier's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Leonard C. Powell, Co. E, 7th Georgia Infantry, "Camp near Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 18, 1863," to his cousin Eliza Jane Hardman, reading, in part: "Dead Cozen-our camp is at Chickamauga Station where we first got off the train and where we will remain for a few days - all of the bridges being washed away between us and all the other Virginia troops. All of the Vicksburg Boys was camped here - until this morning. They left for Cleveland, Tenn. I saw all of Captain Clay's Old company & Captain [Edward L.] Morton's [Co. F, 36th Georgia] old company in the 36th Ga. All the boys was well. I was very sorry to part with them - as I had a great many friends in both companies. There is very little prospect of any fighting at this place soon. In fact no one believes there will be any at all about Chattanooga. If the weather does not improve there will be none nowhere - the prospects bid very fair for some kind of a settlement to be made between now and next April - I do not like this country near so well as in Virginia although Virginia is a cold and rough country - tis far preferable to this flat muddy hole we are in at this time - on our way from Charleston - go to see my sweet heart - well, I could not kiss her any for I had two many whiskers on my face which would have displeased her I feared. But I - talked worse than a sick kitten to a hot brick. Well, I cannot tell you what I said but you may rest assured I made good use of my spicy words. Doubtless you have witnessed some similar cases to mine - and well know how the Boys will talk on such occasions - Your Cozen, L. C. Powell - direct your letter - L. C. Powell, Comp. E, 7th Reg. Ga. Volunteers, Anderson's Brigade, Chattanooga, Tenn. We are not attached to any Division yet 'tis reported we will go back to Hood's 'tis not yet certain." Powell was WIA at the Wilderness, May, 6, 1864 and is listed as having surrendered with Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox nearly a year later. Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover, addressed: "Miss. E. J. Hardman, Stone Mountain, Georgia." Fully transcribed. Overall VG to near fine.
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