2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
War-date Union Soldier Autograph Letter Signed by Oliver A. Rea, 82nd Ohio Infantry, who was taken Prisoner of War at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, and would later escape captivity, 3p. octavo, on nicely illustrated lettersheet depicting the “Desperate Bayonet Charge at Battle of Winchester, March 23, led by Gen. Tyler”, it reads in part: “...I am getting along pretty well at present although I am troubled considerably with a cold. I am in the cooking business at pesent don’t like the business very well but I will have to stay awhile I suppose. The last that I heard from the company they were at Stafford Court H. stuck in the mud. I expect if I stay here much longer that I will become perfectly demoralized. I have forgotten now all that I ever knew had a notion to write hom and find what my name was but happend to receive a letter directed O.A. Rea and came to the conlcusion that that was my name. I am sorry to hear of your having come so near a fight but be sure not to start for Canada if you get whipped for if you do folks will think you don’t want to fight for Niggers. Poor cousin Vester & [?] I pity them it appears that they had to break for the same place that their mortal enemy the nigger to free themselves have to go...” About VG. Organized December 31, 1861, under Colonel James Cantwell, it moved into West Virginia in January, 1862, and soon moved further east and operated against Stonewall Jackson at Cross Keys and Cedar Mountain. In August the Regiment was actively engaged in the second Bull Run battle, where Colonel Cantwell was killed. Colonel James S. Robinson then assumed command. The Regiment operated in the movements of the Eleventh Corps, and in April, 1863, participated in the battle of Chancellorsville with severe loss. In July it fought at Gettysburg and so severe was its loss that only 92 men survived. This little band brought off the colors safely. In September the Regiment with the Eleventh Corps was transferred to the Western Army, and assaulted Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. It marched to the relief of Knoxville, returned to Chattanooga, and in the spring of 1864 entered the Atlanta campaign, fighting with conspicuous gallantry through to the end. It moved with the 20th Corps to the sea, and through the Carolinas, on to Richmond and Washington, passed in review and then proceeded to Louisville. It was mustered out July 29, 1865.
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