2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
Union soldier's 7pp. letter written by Ellis C. Strouss who mustered into "K" Co. PA 57th Infantry, 11/1/1861 and was twice wounded, 6/30/1862 Charles City Cross Roads, VA. and 5/5/1864 Wilderness, VA. He was Mustered Out on 6/29/1865 at Alexandria, VA Datelined Camp Opposite Fredericksburg, VA., 57th regt. Pa. Vols., Dec. 19, 1862. In part, "It was the hottest fight our Regt has ever been in. Our division was commanded by Gen Birney .. Our Regt. formed line on the edge of a ditch and then jumped in the ditch and commenced firing on the Rebels. But owing to the nature of the ground, the Rebels had a great advantage on us. ... They were in the woods about 20 rods in front of us, and the ground at the wood's edge was about 50 feet higher ... They had two lines firing at us... We were ordered to fall back. As soon as we commenced to fall back, the Rebels came towards us at a charge. They thought they could take the battery which was a few yards in our rear. But they missed splendidly for as soon as we got abreast of the battery, the battery opened on them with grape and canister shot. It slaughtered them most awfully. ... At dark, we sent a regt down and rescued our men and took the Rebels prisoners. They belonged to the 6th Georgia regt. ... The position the Rebels held is a strong one and cannot be carried in the way we made an attack. I am well and hearty and in good spirits notwithstanding our defeat. .... You say you want to send me a box of provisions. I would like it very well. ... You can send me woolen mittens or gloves ... I want you to send me my History of the United States ..."
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