CSA General Loring Withdraws The Troops While Norfolk is Evacuated

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005

A historic war-date Confederate order, 1p. 4to., in manuscript, issued by Major General William W. Loring, Suffolk, [Va.], May 11, 1862, being a copy to Lt. Col. Fletcher H. Archer, reading, in part: "You will on the receipt of this communication…order your command to concentrate so as to reach Zuni or some point near it to form a junction with the command of Col. [Harrison B.] Tomlin…with the least possible delay. Save all the property you can, destroy the balance and nail your flags to their staffs. Burn and destroy all bridges in your march to Zuni…except the Bridge across Broadwater River…your command will march there being no train to aid you…". PLUS; a hurried note, 1p. 12mo., written in pencil by a certain "M. W. Chapman" [Ivor., Va., May 11, 1862] 5 o'clock p. m. to Lt. Col. Archer, reading, in full: "I understand the bridge is to be burnt. Please do not set it on fire until my baggage can cross from Ivor…". PLUS; a 12mo. coarse paper envelope addressed: "Official, Col. F. H. Archer, Col. Comdg. at Broadwater Bridge." On May 9, 1862, Confederate forces evacuated Norfolk with the occupation of the Peninsula by McClellan. Two days later all Confederate forces were ordered to evacuate the region and the CSS Merrimac was blown up. Apparently, even the civilians fled in the face of expected Yankee occupation. (3 pieces) Usual folds, else very good.

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).