New York Engineer Helps The Wounded Of The 5th Corps

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

A great war-date Union soldier's, 4pp. 8vo., letter written in ink by Artificer Jerome Swift 1st New York Engineers, [Ream's Station, Va.], March 31, 1865 to his brother concerning helping built breastwork and caring for the wounded of Warren's 5th Corps as they maneuvered into position before the battle of Five Forks, reading, in part: '…we have left camp on Monday…and marched as far as Point [of] Rocks…at day break moved on following the 24th Corps…clear to the west of Petersburg…completely tired & dragged out…I could not get one foot fore the other…many did give out and were left behind but I stuck out till we camped for [the] night. At day break we marched on again to near Hatcher's Run where we…rest[ed] in good…quarters that were vacated the same day…we had to move with the 24th Corps to the front through rain and mud…arrived at the front about noon and [spent] all the afternoon…carrying loads [?] to build up breastworks…8 o'clock [we] moved back to…Ream's Station Depot. Yesterday…I…helped take from the ambulances…our wounded. I don't know how many but…from 3 to 500 some with arms and legs off. Some shot through the head and everywhere about the body…Rebs mixed with ours [they] had the same care…it was [a] horrible sight…they [the Union wounded] belonged to the 5th Corps…[who were] taking the South Side RR. Prisoners are brought in and [are] taking the cars to City Point…150 to 100…come at a time. They have been fighting…here for 3 days now and are bound to have…Petersburg…before they get through…". Written on Christian Commission letter sheet. Some soling, else very good.

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