2023-08 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023
Erasmus Darwin Keyes (1810-1895) was a businessman, banker, and military general, noted for leading the IV Corps of the Union Army of the Potomac during the first half of the American Civil War. Autograph Letter Signed "E.D. Keyes", 3pp., datelined Head Qrs. 4th Corps, Camp in Field, June 6, 1862, writing to Senator Ira Harris. In part, "Another terrible battle has been fought and at one time we were on the point of losing. I maintain that a great injustice has been done to my corps and to me giving currency to the idea that Casey's Division ran at once and that Heintzelman and Kearny bore the brunt ... I was certainly under fire much longer, and the last stand made which stayed the advance of the enemy ... was composed largely of Couch's Division of my Corps and partly of Casey's Division ... I shall be easily able to show that I was under fire for six consecutive hours on the 31st (1st day of the Battle of Fair Oaks) ... I confess I shall wish to get out of this Army to avoid labors greater than any man can endure ..." Keyes received the brevet of brigadier general in the regular army for his gallantry at Fair Oaks.
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