2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Pair of war-date Autograph Letters Signed by Brevet Major General Henry Madill, who had his regiment decimated at the Peach Orchard during the Battle of Gettysburg, and who while he was in retreat was meet by General Sickles who exclaimed ‘Colone! for God’s sake can’t you hold on?’ and Madill with his eyes full of tears responded ‘Where are my men?’ This group includes, ALS, 4p. quarto, Camp Pierpoint, Virginia, March 2, 1862, and reads in part: “...I am afraid that I shall be unable to get home until the war is over. We are under marching orders, and will leave soon perhaps before the middle of the month...I got along with my ‘leave of absence’ without any difficulty. I understand Ricketts, he can’t reach me, I need a letter from Morrow and also from Col. Mason, putting me on my guard as where, I understand him and have my eye on him, he is now in camp and has been for a week or more, will leave again soon, this time for good, I think, he has very fine friends in the REgiment...” Fine...plus; ALS, 3p. quarto, District of Washington, Camp near Poolesville, Maryland, October 21, 1862, with cover, and reads in part: “...I have not heard from you since I left Harrisburg, on your way to fight the Rebs. I suppose that you are satisfied with the results of your campaign. Console yourself perhaps with the reflection that you saved the state from invasion. It seems that Tracy made his campaign count him something - how did his vote stand in Wysox - did he get all the Democratic vote, and what then of the Republicans...How does Vic wear his honors since he returned from his campaign. I suppose he is a boasting Patriot...” Fine. (2 items) The 141st regiment reached the field of Gettysburg on the evening of July 1, after a most fatiguing march. On the next day it went into position at the angle of Sickles' line, on the right of the Peach Orchard, which was the most exposed part of the whole field. Its action was most heroic throughout the day, during which it sustained fearful losses. It went into action on that morning with 198 men, and lost during the battle 136 in killed, wounded and missing, or nearly 70 per cent of its numbers. Its total loss during the two days was 149.
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