2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
A 4pp. 8vo., pencil inscribed letter date lined: Allisona, Tenn., May 26, 1863 to his wife, reading, in part: "…we have been expecting to be moved to the front for several days. A Texas Regt. came in last night…after taps to relieve us…did not know anything of it until morning. We will go to War Trace, 17 miles from Tullahoma, and some 25 miles from this place. We will not have as long a march as I anticipated…we had some excitement last night. Col. Holtzelman was notified that he might expect a cavalry raid at any moment and that he must be prepared for it. Our pickets was visited and told the Yankee cavalry was expected and that they must keep a sharp look out; that if one should fire, they should all fire and run in. Commanders of companies were ordered to have their men sleep with their clothing…two hours after taps our pickets fired; each company was soon formed and in line of battle…most…expected to see the Yankee cavalry dash upon us at once…we learned that it was our cavalry we had fired into; but no one was hurt and we returned to our tents…I was rather gloomy…since then we have heard better news from Jackson, Miss., or rather Vicksburg…though our army is in a rather critical condition…one division of this army has gone to Vicksburg. Brother Washington has gone. I did not get to see him…if you should not hear from me…you must not be uneasy. We may not stop at War Trace…most, if not all, the troops have left War Trace to intercept a body of Yankee troops near McMinnville. We may move…after them and be on a march for several days. I burned all of my letters this evening. I have always done this when I had a long march before me. I had rather burn them than have them fall into other hands…direct to Tullahoma until otherwise ordered. Your affect, husband, Simon…". VG
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