Union Patrols Run Into The Rebels At The Onset Of The 1864 Valley Campaign

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

A rare war-date period 1p. measuring 6" x 5 1/2"pencil inscribed telegram written by MOH winner Col. James M. Schoonmaker 14th Penn. Cavalry, "Hd. Qur. 1st Brig. Sept. 10, [64] 10 o'c. am.", to one of his captains about encountering the enemy during a reconnaissance, in full: "…after [?] returned from Bunker Hill a strong party of the enemy followed him and attacked the 8th Ohio [Cav.] in the entrenchments and he whole line is skirmishing heavily. From appearances they have a very heavy line. If forced to retire I shall fall back by way of Stone bridge." Worthy of further research, since these movements no doubt led to the opening of Sheridan's Valley campaign. Interestingly, Schoonmaker won the MOH during the battle of Winchester, on Sept. 19, 64, during a gallant cavalry charge. Some damp stains, else very good.

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