Raynors HCA 2020-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020
War-date Confederate non-commissioned officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Sergeant Major Mann Page [WIA Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 62], 21st Virginia Infantry, "Camp Valley Mountain", [Western Virginia], Sept. 20, 1861, to his uncle, , David Copeland Randolph, reading, in part: "…[of] my saddle & bridle. I shall not want them as I have been made Sergeant Major of the Regt. and do not ride a horse…send me…a pair of good stout shoes, #6 1/2 Brogans, let the upper leather be soft. We have just returned from a very unsatisfactory attempt to dislodge the enemy from their fortifications which our generals found ever too strong for us. We left here Monday…our generals were very confident that they would surround Genl. Rosecrantz…Col. Gillian's Brig. was up to time and march[ed] up to the enemy's works killing 8 or 10 & wounding 20 or thirty, took as many prisoners without the loss of a man except Col. [John A.] Washington who lost his life [on Cheat Mountain on Sept. 13, 1861] by his own imprudence. Our troops were very much disheartened at having to fall back for they were all ready & anxious for the fight, but Genl. [Robert E.] Lee said ti would cost too many lives and he therefore determined to fall back and we are now preparing to fall still further bacon account of the roads which are so bad we cannot get provisions over them…on our late march we left our tents taking only our blankets & a few days provisions. We were gone eight days…and went through…trying service as ever soldiers endured. Genl. Lee complimented our Regt very highly and so he ought for we have been the advance guard…so much has been required of this army that all the Regts. except ours refused, the other days after we commenced to fall back, to do any more work, such as mending roads, picket guard etc…we had a little cannonade the other day and the balls fell all around me. I would not have exposed my self but at the I had indoor my command two companies throwing up breastworks and did it to keep them at their work in the ditch. I have endeavored to perform all my duties with satisfaction…I would not have gotten this place…but it was offered me when others had applied for it…the quarter master requested that they would not give it to me as he could not get on without me, but Major [Scott] Shipp [of VMI fame] said that this was a place of more importance as we were just going to have a fight in which my place would be an exposed one and one that required someone able to assist the adjutant or supply his place if killed…[Captain] Frank Irving [Co. D] & Archy Page [2nd Lieut. Co. D, WIA Kernstown, Va. 3/23/62 & Antietam, Md., (right leg amputated) 9/17/62] stand very high as officers of true merit. Frank was sick when we left…& A. Page had command of his company. They all send their love…Mann Page." Near fine
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