Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A great war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 4to, written by Lieut. William H. Mickle, as an officer on Hooker's staff, "about Ten miles from Marietta, Georgia, June 7, 1864", to his wife describing his duty as a staff officer, in part: "…we have been marching & fighting for more than a month yet God has been pleased to spare me…you asked me 'how it was that I was up in that line of battle the day of Geo, Payne's death [battle of Dug Gap, Georgia May 8, 1864] & belong to Genl' Hooker's staff. Frequently staff officers are entrusted with the advance line in a charge & are generally carrying orders continually from one part of the command to the other, especially during a warm engagement. Genl Hooker is braver than most Gents consequently his staff are nearer the enemy during battles than most others, but it is all right. You would not have me remain for a moment behind my fellow officers on duty while a battle was ragging…I will not go into danger unless duty calls & then I would not falter for anything. My vow remains the same as when it was made & I always think of it & thee when battle's fury is in its height & life & death are struggling…upon a hotly contested field…under all circumstances. My God, My Country, My Wife…we are gradually flanking the Rebels here driving them toward Atlanta…our R.R. trains keep pace with us. The base of supplies being at Allatoona…". Also included is the original stamped transmittal envelope. Raising to the rank of captain, Mickle served faithfully throughout the remainder of the war, was wounded at Gettysburg, and serving as a staff officer for Generals Howard, Hooker, and Sherman. Near fine
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