Raynor HCA 2013-07
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/18/2013
War-date fair copy of the report of the battle of Shiloh by Confederate General Leonidas Polk, 12pp. folio, "Head Quarters, Right Wing, Army of the Mississippi," September 1862. Polk is here submitting his report "...of the part taken by the troops of my Corps in the Battle of Shiloh..." five months after the engagement. One of the major battles of the Western Theater, Shiloh was fought over two days, April 6 and 7, 1862. The Confederates fought well the first day, but were defeated by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee the following day. Polk begins with a breakdown of his Corps and the proposed plan of battle. After maneuvering into position, he is given control of the general line. The report is mostly filled with accounts of the actions of his fellow commanders, as witnessed by him, as well as accounts of those officers who fell. Of his own men he says: "The enemy in our front was gradually & successively drive from his position, & forced from the field back on the river bank. About five P.M. my line attacked the enemy's troops...in an encampment on my right...the resistance was sharp but short. The enemy...hoisted a white flag and surrendered." Polk concludes his narrative by thanking his commanders and men. Pages are attached by a piece of twine along the upper edge. Lightly toned, else VG.
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