September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
War-date Union soldier's Autograph Letter Signed by Asa D. Smith, 16th Massachusetts Infantry, WIA at Glendale, Virginia after being shot in the face, June 30, 1862, he was discharged for his wounds a week after the incident, 3pp. octavo, Annapolis, Maryland, July 5, 1862, and reads in part: "...Knowing you must be anxious about me, I take the first opportunity to let you know that I still live, but am wounded, and arrived here yesterday. It happened last Monday, and I have been banging around ever since, till I got here. I dont want you to be frightened for I have not been and the Dr's all tell me they think it will heal up, although it is pretty badly inflamed. I have the consolation of knowing that I am sound, as far as legs & arms go, so I can earn my own living, but the truth is my jaw bone is shattered with shell or shrapnel, so I shall be disfigured and cannot eat any very hard substance, and shall be unable to talk plainly, but lucky it is no worse. I got it honorably and intend to bear it manfully and come home by and by, at least no worse for having been a soldier. Have you heard from Wallace? It has been awful fighting and I want to hear from him..." Fine condition.
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