One of the Famous Fred Fleet Letters - 26th Virginia - 1863

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

A great Confederate Soldier’s letter written by “Fred Fleet” who mustered into "I" Co. VA 26th Infantry on June 13, 1861, as a 1st Sergeant, 2nd Lieut 5/13/1862, was wounded June 22, 1864 left side and right leg, surrendered at Appomattox.He and his family were the subjects of the book “A Virginia Plantation Family During the Civil War, Green Mount. The eight page letter is datelined Camp 26th VA Regt., Wapoo Creek, Nov. 1, 1863, written to his father. In part, “The enemy has again commenced the bombardment of Ft. Sumter and up to yesterday morning had struck the fort about 1900 times. ... I hear Beauregard saying that the Yankees are wasting $50,000 every day and are doing no damage of significance. ... I just heard that Friday night the garrison at Sumter was out in position expecting an assault would be made when a shot came along and knocked down a part of the wall killing 14 men. ... On Friday, Gen. Beauregard came out and reviewed our Brigade. Gen. Wise ruding by his side ... In front of the center of the line and about 150 yards in advance, a color (Virginia Falg) is placed ... Col. Page who is senior Colonel conducted the review, then gave the command to present arms & turns around to salute the reviewing officers. Gen. B acknoledges the salute with a graceful doffing of his cap. ... I had never seen Gen. B before and was much pleased with his appearance. He seems about 5 feet 10 inches, quite well made, has a fine head, and his eyes are small and keen. His mustache is grey and his beard almost white. All the troops think a great deal of him, and I am very glad we are under a general of his acknowledged ability and experience. .... The citizens here have the poorest opinion of Ge. Pemberton who was in command here last year. They say he gave up several islands in Charleston harbor which the enemy never could have taken ecept at great loss of life and money and so gave them an opportunity to get Morris Island. ... “

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).