2023-08 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023
Union soldier's letter written by Eleazer H. Smith who enlisted 10/31/1861 into M Co. Maine 1st Cavalry. Smith signs with initials E.H.S. The three page letter is written on a handsome Magnus lettersheet, Newar Cattle Station Va, June 10, 1863. Unfortunately the pencil letter is very light. Fortunately, there is a transcription, in part "I have been on the go as fast as the horse flesh could carry me. and yesterday our regt. was in one of the hardest cavalry charges that has been since the war commenced. .. our regt in 1/2 hour took 75 prisoners, one Brigade colors, General Stewerts, one Major on Genl Stewerts staff besides which we killed which is not a small number and our whole loss in the regt in killed, wounded and missing is thirty. ... The rebs forces was posted on top of a gentle slope, three to one of us and when they got ready for the charge Genl Gregg called for the 10th NY and they refused to go. He then asked for Harris Light and they refused. He then asked for the first Maine ... in we went and their line wilted like cabbage ... drove them two miles ... We estimate their whole loss at one thousand. ... I tell you that sabres are hard things to face in the hands of determined men ..."
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