July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
War-date Union officer Autograph Letter Signed, “Jas. W. Cartwright 1st Lt. Co. C 56 Mass Regt”, 4p. octavo, pencil, In the Field, June 1, 1864, and reads in part: “...on this occasion becomes a duty although a sorry one to communicate to you the fact that my dear friend and fellow officer your devoted son was last eve in an action with the enemy wounded with a bullet in the rear of the hip and it came out near the groin. I am led to understand that it is a flesh wound only. I did not see him as I did not come to the rear until late at night, he went to the rear in an ambulance and was quite comfortable when last heard from...he is a son to be proud of, a man to be admired, a soldier whose conciencious bravery is an example for officers and men to follow. He is not the less patriotic for being so brave. His highest ambition is to serve his country...” VG. Lt. John D. Priest of the 56th Mass Infantry was wounded in action at Bethesda Church, Virginia, May 31, 1864 and died of his wounds three weeks later.
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