2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
A great pair of content letters written by a soldier killed in action at Gettysburg, Pvt. Luther A. Granger, Co. A, 57th Pennsylvania Vols. The first letter, 4pp. 8vo., (partial, second half only) gives his wife a very detailed account of his forces victory over the Confederates during the rainy battle of Williamsburg, Va., on May 5, 1862, reading, in part: "it was so muddy and wet and the battle was so hot that I could not carry the wounded from the scene of action. John and myself were the first to take hold and carry off the wounded. I got so tired that I could have laid down and slept in the mud - we had to be up all night and keep doing for we had to hold the ground - the next morning our brigade was the first to enter the place [Williamsburg as] the enemy were on the retreat. Such a sight as you never see - along the road. Their cannons [that] they could not drag, they left and also their wagons. [It was] enough to make a person's heartsick - - about twenty five hundred prisoners we took - they were giving themselves up - in squads from eight to twenty - they were getting sop common that they hardly paid any attention to them - John and I brought in a wounded rebel rebel that night. He laid on the battlefield through a mistake - if I ever heard a person complain it was him, but the doctors did not pay much attention to him till after ours was taken care of. He wanted dry clothes and everything that was good - he did not get it for dry clothes were out of the question for we were all as wet - the next day I was sent on detail to pick up the boys that fell back. It was surprising to find so many - there [were] some that toy are well acquainted with - that pretended to be sick - their names I will not mention from the simple reason that I have more respect for - their friends than for them - I would rather die on the battlefield - rather than to fetch a disgrace - John - is a good shot -this from your best friend and husband, L. A. Granger." Granger's second letter, 2pp. 4to., was written "Seven miles from Richmond," on June 13, 1862 in which he complains about her letter writing, or rather lack of and "I would pity a dog placed under the same circumstances that I am - If I was at home I would be my own boss- we expect every day to have a battle - we lay back at the present time as reserve - perhaps when the battle goes off we shall go up and take the front." A great pair of letters with two original stamped transmittal cover, addressed to his wife, are included. Negligible soiling, else VG to fine.
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