Facing Joe Johnston Rebels On The Day of The Battle Of First Bull Run

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009

A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written in pencil by Jonathan Cresson, 20th Pa. Infantry, "On the bank of the Shenandoah, July 21, 1861" concerning their advance upon Gen. Joseph Johnston during the Bull Run campaign, in part: "…About 1/2 past 11 last night we (the brigade) were wakened up & packed everything up, struck tents…we marched through the town & took the Harpers Ferry pike, so we supposed we were going there…We were headed by Doubledays light battery of 6 pieces, & a Co. of regular cavalry. We lay on our arms until about 10 oclock when we were dismissed but not allowed to leave the field. We came here to cut off the retreat of Gen. Johnson who was expected to leave Winchester & ford the river here but as yet we have seen no sign of him & I don't believe we will…The river is about 100 yds off…we have just recd orders to be ready to march any time through the night…". With the original patriotic cover addressed to his aunt in Philadelphia. VG.

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