Raynor HCA 2013-07
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/18/2013
Superb Confederate soldier's war-date battle of First Bull Run letter written by Private [later major] Philip H. Powers, Co. A, 1st Virginia Cavalry, 8pp., small 8vo, with hand-carried cover in "Care of Col. Ware" (Colonel J. W. Ware of the 34th Virginia), July 22 (1861), Manassas, addressed to his wife, Mrs. R. M. Powers, Berryville, Virginia, reading, in part: "…I have not time to write the particulars of the battle, can only say it raged for hours with incomparable fury…our Regiment was at one time in the thick of it…the Clarke cavalry behaved very well and was much praised by Col [JEB] Stuart. The field of battle after the fight presented the most awful sight imaginable. I was sent over it with an order, and at some points found it difficult to ride among the dead without treading on them. Headless, mangled, dying. Oh my God what a sight! And what a sin. About 4 the enemy fled in utter confusion…baggage of every description was strewn for miles. Muskets cannon, wagons ambulances are now on the road for ten miles from the scene of action and are being collected and brought in. Within a few hundred yards of where we are now is a church which they took possession of for a hospital. In and around it are 279 Dead & wounded. Many out in this drenching rain will die before morning. Around are arms and legs…what I have seen ought to make everyone satisfied with the war and ready for peace. Our men have provided themselves with all kinds of spoils…they were amply provided with every comfort…all of which they threw away to expedite their flight. They had 50,000 men in the fight - we only 15,000 - our main force never getting in - Gen Johnston told Col. Stuart last night that the Va troops under [Stonewall] Jackson won the day. Our loss is very heavy. I met B? after his regiment had been in the fight and with tears in his eyes he told me his men were cut to pieces & his dearest friends dead. I had no time to get the names for the balls were falling thick and fast…God bless you, and save this poor country from another such battle…". Some soiling and small splits. Overall good condition.
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