Raynor HCA 2013-07
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/18/2013
Amazing Confederate officer's war date battle ether written by Major Philip H. Powers, JEB Stuart staff officer, 7pp., small 8vo, n.p., [but, Wilderness Battlefield during the battle!], "Wednesday, May 4, [1864]" with stampless over to Mrs. Powers, Richmond, Virginia, in care of R. W. Powers, reading in part: "…I heard the Genl's clear voice say 'pack up.' I knew what was coming, and sick as I was, got up and went to work. We moved this afternoon came five miles towards Fredericksburg…the whole army is in motion and the great battle (The Wilderness) will soon begin…Thursday…the battle had commenced on our left with Ewell's Corps. The firing was terrific but General Stuart told me a while ago that the old wooden leg soldier with his veterans whipped the 5th Yankee Corps badly…our loss heavy - Genl Jones (from Charlottesville) and Gen Stafford killed also poor William Randolph in command of the 2nd Va - that Regt is fated to lose its commanding officers. Randolph was just promoted last week…God, not luck disposes of our lives…My heart grows sick when I think of the awful scenes around me. Genl Lee and Genl Stuart are in fine spirits. May God give us a victory and end this cruel war! This is a dreary dismal country most fitly called 'The Wilderness' - for many miles not a house and not an open field…We are in a small field by the road side about 2 miles from the line of battle and here are Genl Lee's and Genl Stuart's H Qs - and an infinity of wagons and artillery…Friday morning…What a din, what a roar! The very heavens seems filled with sound and in the m midst of it all I sit by the road side and write to you my dear thanking God you do not hear what I hear, nor see what I see this awful day. The battle was commenced about sunrise and as I write seems to be raging with intense fury. Oh how my heart sickens as I listen and think of the untold misery arising from this bloody day…Genl S has gone off in fine spirits to lead his Cavalry…the last word from Genl Lee was that he was driving the enemy back handsomely…the Yankees are falling back. The fighting has not been as continuous as I expected…But, my impression is that the fight will be resumed tomorrow…I am sorry to tell you Genl Longstreet was wounded in the shoulder to day - they say by our own men. His wound is not considered dangerous. Genl Jenkins was killed today…A courier is just going off and I send this. The field of battle is between Chancellorsville and Verdersville in the Wilderness. I will write again tomorrow…". More interesting battle related content. Usual folds and wear, very good condition.
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