Raynors HCA 2018-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2018
Union soldier's Gettysburg Campaign letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Altus H. Jewel [WIA Fredericksburg, Va., May 3, 1863], Co. E, 77th New York Vols., "Petersburg, Maryland, July 17, 1863," in part: "…we are now at Petersburg in Maryland near Berlin where we crossed the Potomac last fall…we will probably cross into Virginia in a day or two. We have had a long march…since we left the Rappahannock we have been through a beautiful country…some parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania…where we went through…look tough where rebels went. Some of the farmers haven't got a horse or cow left…a great many things that were no earthly use to them they…take or destroy…some farmers that had from ten to twenty five head of cattle [taken] and one man had 11 horses taken. Some farmers sent their stock off to different parts of the country…six companies of our Regt including ours guarded between 7 & 8 hundred rebel prisoners taken at Williamsport by our cavalry…some of them seemed to think that they did not lose a great many at Gettysburg & some thought they'd loose heavy, but I judge…that every head of horse or cattle cost them a man…I lost thirty dollars out of my pocket so…I am short. The men in the Regiment is in good health. Some of them have given out with sore feet…we went to Funkstown…with the expeditions of having a fight, but the rebs fell back over the Potomac. Our cavalry took…2000 prisoners. They got between their rear guard and cut loose their pontoon bridge…they could not get over. A framer told me…that a rebel Genl. told him that in one charge…at Gettysburg they lost 10,000 men…he told it with tears in his eyes. Some of the prisoners say…they lost forty thousand in all. I saw one whole brigade and six stands of colors that was taken…we followed the rebs all the way through Pennsylvania and Maryland…every man that got behind we took prisoner…now…if we are successful…there is a prospect of the ear coming to an end. The surrender of Vicksburg and Port Hudson & the raid in Pennsylvania had been the downfall to rebellion…we have done…some pretty tall marching…if our Corps had not got to Gettysburg as it did Lee would have flanked our men and licked them…A. H. Jewel…". With fully detailed transcription. Light spotting, else VG.
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