Raynors HCA 2018-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
A Confederate soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Andrew Brooks, [MWIA Chancellorsville, Va., 5/03/63], Co. I, 4th Virginia Infantry, "Camp Harman, near Centreville, [Va.], Aug. 22, 1861." At the First Battle of Bull Run, Jackson reportedly ordered the 4th Virginia, "Reserve your fire until they come within 50 yards! Then fire and give them the bayonet! And when you charge, yell like furies!" This is possibly the first use of the "Rebel Yell." To his cousin, he writes, in part: "Your very kind note was received…while at Winchester…I am almost ashamed now to answer…it was received the day [my brother, 22 year-old Pvt.] William [Brooks] was taken sick. His sickness ["brain fever"] and death [July 16, 1861] prevented me from writing…being constantly under arms in expectancy of a battle. The battle itself and the turmoil and confusion after it has prevented me ever since…I every day long to be free, yet am content to remain until the sovereign independence of my Native State and…the "Confederate States of America" is ugly and unreservedly acknowledged by the "Tyrant" at Washington and the ignorant…populace who urge and cheer him on in his work of subjugation…the battle of the 21st…our company were engaged in a very hotly contested and bloody battle as the loss of our regiment and company testifies. Tell Miss. Peggie Lambert that I am not willing for her to throw away that button yet…Alexandria…has been evacuated. Capt. [White of our company will resign of physical inability. Was John in the late engagement with Rosincrantz…Andrew Brooks." Light toning else VG
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