2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
A good war-date Union officer's letter by Captain Alexander Poundstone, Company D, 5th USCT, 3p. quarto, ink, Entrenchments near Petersburg, Virginia, July 28, 1864 with stamped cover attached to verso, and reads in part: "...I have lost one of my dearest earthly friends. A little after day light this morning, Capt. Charles Oren was shot by a sharpshooter and mortally wounded. He lingered till about 12 o'clock PM when his spirit left its 'frail tenement' and winged its way I hope to a brighter and better world than this. He leaves behind a lovely wife and three children, two girls and a boy, to mourn his untimely fate. He and I were closely allied to each other...His death has wrang my heart. What will his poor wife do? This morning she was the wife of a noble and chivalrous man to-night she is his widow. May God sustain her. July 29th 1864. Last night I had to cease writing and take command of a fatigue party. We worked at the place where my cherished friend was stricken down yesterday morning. It is very dangerous part of the time because of the rebels occupying higher ground than we do. Besides this the lines are very close together. By exercising due care I came off safely and brought my party off safely. The lines in our front are pushed up almost against the rebel lines and as I have already written a constant firing is kept up for fear that advantages will be taken of the close proximity. It is now nearly 3 oclock P.M I would have finished my letter this morning and put it into today's mail, had I not slept this forenoon to atone for the loss all last night's sleep. Under the circumstances I know you will not blame me for the delay. Capt. Oren's body is being embalmed and will be sent home. I can only now recall the seasons of pleasing and often confidential converse I have held with him...Last night there was a heavy fire in Petersburg, lighting up the heavens in that direction. The fire bells rang all over the city. I do not know the cause of the fire but presume it was caused by our shells. This is the second heavy fire there since the commencement of the siege. Some movements are going on the other side of the Appomattox river but I do not know their nature. I have had no opportunity yet of hunting up the 19th corps as we are still in the trenches. This evening will make twelve days of continuous duty in entrenchments and no prospect that I know of relief. Still if it will further our cause I am willing to remain longer...July 30th 1864. a heavy battle today, rebel fort blown up. Thus far all [is] well…". VG.
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