2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
Group of three letters by Edward D. Lee, Lt., 27th Massachusetts Infantry, died of disease in Virgina April, 1864, includes: ALS, 6-1/2p. octavo, New Berne, N.C, May 21, and reads in part: “...80 men engaged the rebs had 3 full cos of the 56th N.C. we recd two full vollies when within 150 yds of them & but one hurt, we advanced some 30 yds till we got into the cover of two out buildings made of thin boards. We continued under this fire unsupported for half an hour. When six Cos fo the 45th came up on their flank. We charged the works directly in front, & were in them sometime before any one else. We then drove them from a series of second works & alone occupied them. I see the Journal gives the credit to the 45th Mass & 58th Penn. principally. The truth is two Cos of the 58th wre skirmishing on the right of the woods we on teh left (Cos D & E) the work being on the left the 58th after the first fire were not to be found except about a dozen who stood by us. I give you a little diagram of the works [included is a fine 1p. cotavo detailed map of the grounds], stange none of us were killed. We disabled 40 rebels...Coming out in the rear of the ‘rebs’ at Wise Cross roads the same spot where we went before, they found two regiments & some artillery, with additional earthworks thrown up, after a few vollies the 27th & the 58th Penn charged, carrying the works at the point of the bayonet, capturing about 200 prisoners, including the Col fo the 56th N.C. & many line officers. one pr of artillery, many small arms, horses, stores, &c. Genl. Ransom who had come on in advance of his Brigade barely escaped as our men entered the other side, it a splendid affair, the 25th & 46th Mass were in front of the works while our regt & 58 Penn marched through the woods & swamps 15 miles as I have described...” More. Fine...plus; The map, 1p. octavo, depicting the batteries, earthworks, and rebel regiments as well as other topographical information. Fine....plus; ALS, 4p. quarto, Washington, North Carolina, October 11, 1862, in part: “...I have been very busy Lt. Col. Lyman of the 27th has been in command of the Post, during the absence of Col. Potter. I was detailed to act as Post Adjutant and owing to the sickness of my 1st Lieut. have had command of the Co. also which you can readily see has kep me occuoped...We have not as yet been disturbed by the rebels in force and I hardly think we shall, as our defences now are such that they will hardly dare attempt it. They have lost the favorable time, their guerillas hover about the outskirts of the town, two of our cavalry videttes were ambushed and murdered by about 20 of them the other morning only 1 1/2 miles from the town. Cowardly rascals. The rebel wounded and prisoners are the worst and dirtiest set of people I ever saw. Even the negroes would not touch them because they said they were ‘lowly’. Think of that. I am thoroughly sick of the sight of a darkey. I only wish some of our rank abolitionist were here to take care of them. The President’s emancipation plan is making a stir among ‘secesh’. I can tell you reasons of a servile insurection our passing before their eyes. They really are alarmed. It is touching them in the right spot and where they feel it too. We are expecting some of the Mass 9 month regts out here. Genl. Foster having sent for them...” More. VG....plus; Period newspaper clipping on the death of Edward Lee. Fine. (4 items)
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