1st New Jersey at Hatcher’s Run with Fantastic Content

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011

War-date Union soldier's Autograph Letter Signed by Albert Van Houten, 1st New Jersey Light Artillery, 4pp. octavo, in Camp near Hatcher's Run, Virginia, March 26, 1865, and reads in part: "...yesterday was a stirring day with us, the rebels attacked and broke through the ninth corps or rather surprised them for it has been so quiet along the line they had relaxed their vigilance in a measure they came through and cut for a time Grants railroad but they paid dear fro their bargain. The ninth corps closed in on them and gave them a good sound thrashing and took 2500 prisoners. The rebels then tried it in our front but they were met with more than their match. We had a terrific battle which lasted all the afternoon until in the evening it is a grand but awful sight. I stood where I could see our troops maneuver I can hardly give you and idea of it. Three hours and a half it was one continuous roar of musketry, it seems almost impossible for any one to escape being wounded or killed, it sounds like a heavy wind blowing through the woods only a great deal louder. The rebels used their cannons but we used none, I stood just out of their range of their shells. The rebels lost very heavy in killed, wounded and prisoners, they brought the prisoners through our camp, they seemed to be very much pleased. I heard one of them say well we are in the United States once more, they all seemed glad of it for they are tired of serving a mock government...Uncle Abe and Grant was here to review some of our troops but the battle interfered and it did not come off but Abraham had a chance to see his troops fight and I suppose he went away satisfied, he ought to be fore they worked fine. The Rebs charged on the Jersey Brigade seven times but they did not move an inch..." More. Fine condition.

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