Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A war-date Union officer's battle letter, 2pp. folio, written by Lieut. William H. Mickle, Co. H, 134th New York Vol., "Headquarters Artillery, 11th Corps, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., Nov. 4, 1863" concerning the battle of Wauhatchie, Tenn. Oct 29, 1863 and opening of the "Cracker line", in part: "…my captain in Libby Prison at Richmond sent me intelligence of his health...also stating that Wm. Rockwell was well [both were captured at Gettysburg]…I hear from Rockwell occasionally & he is doing well as can be expected. There is no chance for an exchange of prisoners…we are now in Lookout Valley under that notorious mountain where the Rebs have been stationed this long time, occasionally popping a 20 pound shell into the town of Chattanooga at our boys. But Fighting Joe Hooker knows how to skedaddle the Johnies! Our troops moved from Bridgeport, Ala. last week to this place, but after they had driven the Rebs from the valley & had and quietly lain down to sleep about 12 o'clock at night. They came down from the mountain & pounced upon us. Evidently with the intent to annihilate us, but our gallant boys 'couldn't see it'…as we say. So they jumped up amid the leaden shower, seized their guns & went into the Johnies like a dose of salt…the fight lasted till about 3 in the morning when our boys charged up the heights & drove them in confusion from the field, killing & wounding many & capturing a goodly number of prisoners. They do not molest us any more now, saving the throwing of those shell[s] into camp & among our wagon trains…about 50 to 100 a day…the boys do not mind that kind of fighting any more as we lay down at night & sleep as soundly as you do in your own feathered nest. It is a waste of ammunition for them as they do not kill enough to make it pay. They have killed but one Darkey & wounded a few soldiers while their shell cost them $50. a piece…". Raising to the rank of captain, Mickle served faithfully throughout the remainder of the war, being wounded at Gettysburg, and serving as a staff officer for Generals Howard, Hooker, and Sherman. The original transmittal cover is included. VG
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