Capt. Williams Is Wounded In An Action At Brandy Station

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2012

A rare war-date Confederate officer's Gettysburg Campaign letter, written by Capt. Leonard Williams, 2nd South Carolina Cavalry (Hampton's Legion), 6pp. 8vo., "near Gordonsville, Va., Aug. 8, 1863," concerning his wound received during a skirmish at Brandy Station on August 1st. This letter was used in the book: "A Boot Full of Memories," a Civil War novel based on Williams, in part: "I am…staying with Dr. Cowherd about 2 miles from Gordonsville…the Dr. & his friends are very pleasant, sociable & hospital people…my wound is healing rapidly. The bruise has nearly disappeared b& I expect to go to my regiment in 4 or 5 days. The Brigade is still near Culpeper. I was advised to come this way across the Rapidan…I was obliged to come this far before I could get accommodations & feed for my horse…Genl. Lee's army is near here about Orange C. H. From where the ball entered to where it came out is only about 2 or 3 inches. My arm was raised giving a thrust when I was shot. The ball entering on the upper portion of my shoulder where it joins the neck. He [the shooter] was on my right side. It was a narrow escape but the wound was slight…I might have continued duty but the surgeon advised me to go to a private house…I feel restless when away from my command when there is work to be done…I do not know when Genl. Lee proposes to make a stand…did you get a hat for me. I was unable to get anything in Pa. The stores were all closed & the goods moved & hid…before we got there…I saw the Dr. sell 4 small beeves to the army…& one cow…which he recd $175 for…tell Ned to give good attention to the hogs…I want to send my mare home this winter for Ned to plough & also to work in a one horse wagon if I can get one. It will enable him to earn more & keep [him] more constantly employed…the casualties in my company. None of the wounds were serious except Lieut. Williams of which he died next day & Halloway's. He was shot in the side [and] was doing well when he was sent to the hospital…I suppose you have heard of the death of Capt. Sullivan wounded at Gettysburg…I fear Charleston will fall…". VG

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