July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
War-date Confederate officer’s Autograph Letter Signed John William Amiss, who was born in New Market, Virginia in 1835, entered the service as captain of Company A, 50th Virginia Infantry in 1861; was drill master of General Floyd’s brigade. Served in the fights at Carnfax Ferry, Raleigh Court House, in the capture of Charleston, West Virginia, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Winchester and was wounded at Kelly’s Forge, Virginia. Was made Chief of Engineers at Richmond and served there until transferred to General Forrest’s command on the Mississippi. He Surrendered at Cairo, Illinois. This letter is 4pp. quarto, Near Brownsville, Tennessee, September 30, 1864, and reads in part: “...There are no Yankees here about that we know (of which is very comforting to us) though we heard some within 30 miles of Memphis. Reports are numerous from that city, some saying that there is a large force there, others state that there is but a small force, and we are inclined to credit the latter, if it were otherwise they would have visited this section of the country ere this. Report says that Forrest met the enemy in Middle Tenn and captured on thousand prisoners and fifteen hundred horses. The above I believe to be true and if so it is a good beginning and with the force of combination of Wheeler’s & Roddy’s Cavalry , Forrest will have about twenty thousand (20,000) and with such a leader running the rear of Sherman’s army, the tyrant will soon be compelled to take the back track thereby ridding your state of such an undesired visitor, indeed I believe such will be the result of Forrest’s expeditions....I was mistaken in regard to Forrest being in Middle Tenn. His fight took place at Athens, Ala. Then at Elk River Bridge. He has captured altogether I have since learned about 4,000 prisoners.....” Encapsulated, fair condition, excellent content.
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