2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
Autograph Letter Signed "D(ixon) S. Miles, Col. 2nd Inf USA, Commanding" 1pp., datelined Head Quarters, Harpers' Ferry VA., 30th June 1862, written to Governor Edward Morgan. In full, "I have the honor to transmit herewith Muster-in-Roll of Captains Mara and Acorn (D and I cos.) 12th Regt N.Y. S.M. this day sworn into Service." Miles apparently treated his orders to defend the town too literally and stationed most of his 14,000 men just outside the town to the west, on Bolivar Heights, neglecting the commanding heights to the northeast (Maryland Heights) and to the south (Loudoun Heights). When his token defensive force on Maryland Heights was defeated, the town was surrounded and virtually indefensible. When Confederate Maj. Gen. Stonewall Jackson began to bombard the town on September 15, 1862, from the heights he had seized, Miles held a council of war with his brigade commanders and decided to surrender. Before the white flag could be raised, he was struck in the left leg by an exploding shell, mortally wounding him. Some of his men accused him of being drunk on duty again and were so thoroughly disgusted by his inept defense that it was said to be difficult to find a man to carry him to the hospital.
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