2023-03 HCA Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023
Union soldier 2-1/2 pp. letter written by Amos B. Hawley who on 10/31/1861 mustered into "D" Co. VT 5th Infantry and was mustered Out on 10/15/1864. Datelined Camp near Williamsburg, VA., May 8, 1862. In part, "The Rebels have, very unexpected to us, evacuated Yorktown and we have been in pursuit since last Sunday. ... Our regimental flag was the first to enter the fort at Lee's Mill and when it was planted , such a cheering I have never heard. ... The scene inside the fort was terrible. We could see the effects of shells on every tree within 1/2 mile of the fort, and everything indicated it was too hot for them. ... We found the bodies of six of the 3rd Vt which were left unburied by the Rebels after having been robbed of their clothing and brutally bayoneted and punched with sticks. Another instance of the savage brutality of the Rebels. ... We followed them up as far as their next fortification before Williamsburg ... our troops made an attack on their forts and carried them after fighting all day. ... On the sixth we were engaged in picking up the dead and wounded. I assisted in caring for the Rebel wounded of the 5th North Carolina which was entirely cut to pieces. ... Not more than 15 escaped. Their Lt. Col. and Major was killed ... In the barn where the wounded were cared for were 3 Lieutenants, 1 captain, and 96 privates, while the field and woods were covered with their dead. ... The sight was horrible and I never want to look on it again. The dead were decently buried and wounded cared for. ... Our loss in killed and wounded about 300, while the Rebels lost in killed, wounded and prisoners 4500. ... I will send you ... a Secesh Postage Stamp I found near Lee's Mill. ... I saw one slave this morning that was rejoicing at the prospect of freedom. ..."
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