2022-11 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2022
The letters are all written by Erwin Eldridge who on 7/19/1861 he was commissioned into Field & Staff GA 16th Infantry; he was promoted to Asst. Surgeon 7/19/1861; Surgeon 7/22/1862; Chief Surgeon 1/26/1864 (Of Gen. Cobbs command) . Eldridge served with the 16th until he was reassigned in late 1863 as Chief Surgeon on Major General Howell Cobb's Staff at Atlanta. In March 1864, Eldridge was assigned as Chief Surgeon, Medical Department Headquarters, and Georgia Reserve at Macon, GA. Each letter is written to his wife, signed "Erwin" and includes the original cover. We provide brief recaps; 1pp., June (?) 28, 1862, Camp Friday Morning, in part "... Heavy fighting yesterday same the day before. We were victorious everywhere ... (Seven Days Battle). ... plus, 4pp., Camp near Fredericksburg, Dec. 20, 1862, in small part, "I have already told you of the Genl's death (Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb. We are nearly broken up in the mess. ...We are all lost I am the only one of the staff left ..." ... plus 6pp., Dec 25 1862, Hd Qtrs. Cobb's Brigade, in small part, "I have written you frequently of late and during the few days of skirmishing and fighting ...... we concluded to ride over to Gen'l McLaws ... As we rode up the Gen'l remarked on our dress (we had dressed in our best for Christmas). .. in a few moments dinner was announced (and a fine one it was) which we washed down with some good liquor. ......Col Bryan tendered his resignation ...He is as much changed since the war as anyone I ever saw. He has become exceedingly nervous and sullen ..." ... plus, 1pp., July 9, 1863, in large part, "we have just come from Gettysburg. Col. Bryan and Capt McGuire will write their wives. Willie Williamson wounded in the foot so slightly that he walked off. ... The carnage in the enemy's ranks was terrible ..." ... plus, 2pp., Macon July 11, 1864, Erwin reports on the medical condition of family friends. ... plus, 2pp., very light, but written on a scarce letterhead "Head-Quarters Georgia Reserves and District of Georgia, Macon Ga.," February 18, 1865.
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