Spectacular Hand Drawn Map of the Siege of Yorktown.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023

A Union soldier's letter written by John J. Knox who on 8/28/1861 he mustered into "D" Co. MI 5th Infantry and resigned on 6/23/1863. Knox was wounded 5/31/1862 Fair Oaks, VA. The 3pp., letter comes with original cover, datelined, Camp near Yorktown, Virginia, Saturday Morning April 12th, 1862. In part, "... the order came "fall in for Picket." This was about 10 o'clock. We got up and by the time the boys had knapsacks packed and reached the line, it was something after 11. We were not allowed to have any fire. The wind continued to blow. It rained and was decidedly the coldest night I have yet seen in Va. In the morning the wind turned. It grew warmer and commenced snowing. Upon the whole I never spent a more miserable night in my life. ... I think of Camp Michigan often now and conclude it is "Paradise Lost" to us. After we take this place and Richmond, we will have better times again... SEVERAL SPIES HAVE BEEN ARRESTED INSIDE OF OUR LINES, SOME OF WHICH WILL BE HUNG TODAY. ... Knox then provides the full page, 8" x 5", very detailed, ink map of their position at Yorktown. At the top Knox notes, "From one River to the Other at this point - 10 miles. On the reverse Knox writes "his map, though imperfect, will give you something of an idea of the Rebel Fortifications about Yorktown. With a glass at a distance of 1 ½ miles, it is difficult to see many guns, but their line of Fortifications are very extensive. A dash from Forts No. 3 & 5 were made on our Pickets yesterday. They drove our men in killing only one, while we killed seven of them. Our whole Division was immediately formed in line of battle in the field marked Hamilton's Division 1st but upon learning the enemy was not advancing, we returned to our temporary quarters in the woods. As soon as we get our siege guns mounted on the field marked with a star, it is the opinion of the General that he can dismount their guns on the forts, then advance with the Infantry, kill them or take them prisoners. This in all probability will be accomplished within 10 days."

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