Raynor HCA 2013-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/10/2013
The Black Horse Cavalry Experiences First Manassas A great war-date Confederate soldier's letter with hand-carried cover, 3pp., 4to, written by Private (later Major) Philip H. Powers, Co. A, 1st Virginia Cavalry, "Camp at Fairfax Ct House (VA), July 23d 1861," in part: "Several Clark men, among them, Kneller were in our camp for a short time this evening…We broke our camp however about midnight and marched to this place accompanied by two regiments of infantry and one battery of Artillery. I was glad to leave for as I wrote you, we were near by a hospital of the enemy where were over 300 of their wounded, dead and dying. Many of them necessarily left out in all the inclemency of the weather to die. To pass by it was enough to soften and sicken the hardest heart. I will not dwell upon the awful scene. The Battle was nothing to this after piece. The excitement of the contact, the cheering of the soldiers the triumph of victory rid the Battle field of many of its terrors. Nothing - nothing could lessen the horrors of the field by moonlight…For Twelve miles the road was literally strewn with every description of Baggage, Wagons, Ambulances, Barrels of sugar, Crackers ground coffee & thousands of axes, spades shovels picks arms by the thousand - clothing of every description cooking utensils…all left behind to expedite the flight which was never stopped until they reached Washington. Out troops have been busily engaged in appropriating everything they might possibly need from a pin cushion to the finest army tent…Their army was splendidly equipped, with every possible convenience and comfort. But I cannot account for their utter confusion and panic. Their own papers give our regiment the credit for turning the tide of victory…Speaking just now of spoils…Tell your brother I sent him by Kneller a revolver…I do not know what our next move will be but suppose it will be upon Alexandria. All I desire is to drive them from our soil and secure. I would not shed another drop…" VG
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