2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
A great battle letter, 3 1/4pp. large folio, written by Pvt. Luther C. Benson, Co. M, 8th New York Heavy Artillery, Hatcher's Run, [Va.], Feb. 23, 1864(5), to brother, Jesse, in part: "-well Jesse you wanted to know if I was in the last fight - there was fighting all around us. We advanced the fifth of February and drove in the pickets and still drove them. About ten o'clock we built breastworks and about two o'clock the Rebs began to shell us. They kept it up until nearly dark and then they advanced on our right flank and made three charges and was driven back each time. There was some stray balls came in amongst us. Our Brigadier [General] was wounded and one of his aides and some privates . The next night they attacked us on the left flank and in the rear which made it rather gloomy. They was within 20 rods of us at one time, but the old Six Corps came up just in time to save us from Richmond. They lost very heavily. Our loss was not so great as their forces captured three hundred dollars worth of cotton and twenty cases of tobacco. My regiment was very lucky in the fight - all of us will get enough of fighten (sic) before it is through with - Charleston is ours - the Rebs is evacuating Petersburg. We was ordered to pack up last night. They thought we was about to be attacked - wanted to know if I had seen James Caldwell. I have not seen him and all I know is there was a notice came to this company that James H. Caldwell got 30 cents transportation from Avon to Rotchester (sic) - that is all I know or can find out. I have talked with [the] boys that was taken at Cold Harbor and they say they did not see him at no places where they were. I am afraid James is dead yet I hope not. I have not got my bow yet. I expect it every day. I think I can go in some when I get it. You say that you should clear $5.00 this winter. That is better than to enlist for $677 - I hope I may lives through [this] all right, but if I should loss a link I have no one to fall back on, but I hope I may have better luck than that. I got that two dollars you sent me and them stamps, but I never got them gloves yet - the weather is rainy. I saw Dan Arnold the other day. He has got to be a lieutenant. He is coming home. Jesse, if James is drafted tell him not to come. He might better pay out a little money than to come down here. If I get to the rear again they can call me back but they won't git me - from your brother, L. L. Benson." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Overall VG.
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