2023-08 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023
Union soldier letter written by Samuel W. Croft who enlisted on 6/1/1861 at Pittsburgh, PA as a Private, and on 6/22/1861 he mustered into "E" Co. NY 70th Infantry. Croft was Killed on 7/2/1863 at Gettysburg, PA. The 3pp. letter is double dated as follows. Co. E 1st Regt. Sickles Brigade, Camp near Coal harbor Va., May 32st 1862. In part, "I was astonished ..to learn that your division was not in the neighborhood of Williamsburg at the time of the fight. I suppose by this time you have had some papers containing accounts ... so I will confine details of that bloody fight to our own Regy. ..." Then he continues, "Camp on the Battle Field, June 5th, 1862", in part "The Rebels had attacked Caseys division and outflanked them. On the left Gen'l Casey was completely surprised. The enemy drove our troops back one mile and a half. ... On the following morning (June 1), the Rebs opened the ball attacking us again. The Jersey Brigade was in advance. Sickles Brigade next. The second Regt. of our brigade made a splendid bayonet charge, routing the enemy. I witnessed the charge and it was a splendid sight. General McClellan gives them special credit. ... From what I can learn, eighteen of their number was left dead on the field. ... I will not give particulars of the battle of Williamsburg as I have not the time. The loss of our Co. was thirty-nine in all. Eight Killed. Eighteen wounded and thirteen prisoners. They killed Capt. Brunn. ... My arm is almost well. The ball struck it on the outside, two inches above the elbow, cutting in the depth of itself. ..."
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