14th Connecticut Soldier Writes of Chancellorsville and General Lee

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018

War-date Union soldier Autograph Letter Signed by Corporal Thomas Gardner, 14th Connecticut Volunteers, who saw heavy fighting at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. On July 3, 1863, the 14th Connecticut was ordered to drive Rebel sharpshooters, from the Bliss Barn, who were playing havoc on the Union lines. It was during this charge, that Corporal Gardner was shot in the side of the head, a wound he would never fully recover from. This letter is 4pp. octavo, dated May 30, 1863, Falmouth, Virginia, and reads in part: “...I was very surprised to hear that Amos Dayton was home. That is the reward skirkers get, 30days furlough. If that is the reward of shirkers, I am afraid Uncle Sam will find plenty of them in the next fight. Amos Dayton, nor Henry Dart, was neither of them in the fight, but ran off and stayed in the woods until the Rebels came and took them prisoners...Those who stood the blunt of the battle can get no furloughs, while skulkers can get 30 days...There were some Rebels deserted and came across the river where our regiment was on picket. They say that they were forced into the service and that provision is scarce in the South. They say that if Vicksburg is taken that the Rebels will give up. They think that the Confederacy will then be split in two. I hope it may be taken for it will be a great blow to the Rebels. I want the country restored to peace and prosperity, but I say never give up to the Rebels. Let us carry the war on until the Rebellion is crushed. I believe we can whip them. I am sorry to hear that Lee thinks we can never whip them. I believe he is wrong in his sympathy with the South. I have no sympathy with secession and I believe the curse of God will follow it...” Fine condition.

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