2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
War-date Confederate medical staff non-commissioned officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Hospital Steward David F. Kagey (1834-1923), 25th Virginia Infantry, "Camp near Bunker Hill, Berkley Co., Va., August 31, 1864," reading, in part: "…Monday morning we left this camp & marched out in line of battle to meet the enemy who had come up as far as Smithfield…with heavy cavalry…Gordon's division met them 2 miles this side Smithfield & engaged them…I…had the satisfaction of seeing the Yankee's skedaddle as usual. Our skirmishers & the artillery drove them beyond Smithfield. Quite a number fog the enemy were killed & wounded. Our loss was relatively small. Terry's brigade had 2 killed & six wounded. The enemy shelled us heavily…this country is drained of all extras. We get pork every few days instead of beef…I have resolved to…be contented with whatever may befall me during the remainder of this horrible & cruel war if I am spared. There now appears to be a slight prospect of its terminating during the coming winter. I fondly hope it may…we have just received orders to be ready to move at a moments notice…we probably will fall back to Fisher's Hill soon again [but] it depends entirely upon the enemy's movements…Maj. [Wilson N.] Harper [WIA in the shoulder battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864] of the 25th has arrived here but is not entirely well…we have just received the news over the "Grave Vine line" that the Chicago Convention…has nominated Franklin Pierce for president & John Bell of Tennessee for vice president of the U. S. It may be true. The news come from Martinsburg by the "reliable Gentleman." I hope it is true & they can be elected. But I think we will have peace anyhow by next spring…it would be certain if they are elected. Dave." Minor toning, else VG.
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