2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
Autograph Letter Signed, “Hugh M. Ives” 6th Connecticut Infantry, 2p. quarto, pencil, Sunday Afternoon, April 17, 1864, in part: “...I have just returned from witnessing the execution of two of my Regt. They deserted three times from this Regt within two months and were taken at Warsaw Inlet. They are new men. They were tried by General court martial and sentenced to be shot to death by musketry. Sunday 17th at 2 o’cl. was the time. Every soldier who could walk was ordered to go. There is three Regt. beside the 6th we all had to go. We were drawn in a hollow square the condemned were driven around so that all could see them whne they had gone all around they were placed upon their coffins a Catholic Priest went to them confessed them pardoned and forgave them blesse them and sprinkled holy water upon them and bid them good bye. Then their hands were tied behind them they were blind folded and made to kneel upon their coffins towards our Regt which was in front. 24 men were then taken from our Regt. and placed 5 paces in front of them. The Provost Mar. then raised his sword and they fired 8 bullets in one and 7 in the others breast. One fell forward the other backward. There is another to be shot tomorrow he belongs to our Regt....” Fine. The executed men were Henry Schumaker and Henry Stark who both escaped twice after being captured and sentenced to death.
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