Raynor HCA 2013-07
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/18/2013
A good war-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Henry E. Wyeth [later lieutenant], Co. C, 31st Indiana Vols., on patriotic McClellan stationery, "Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 25, 1862", in part: "I have witness some tough times and made some narrow escapes…I consider my self pretty ell acquainted with the hard ships a soldier has to under go. It frequently puts me in mind of an expression that Willie made use of while he was in the Mexican War…if a man wanted to live a dog's life all he had to do is to join the army…of the battle…I was in it both days and shot away two cartridge boxes of cartridges which is about ninety six rounds and part of the time I was not over seventy five yards from the rebels. I witnessed scenes that I never wish to again. The way the musket balls, grape and shell flew it appears as though a man could not stand a minute without being either killed or wounded. I seen men fall on all sides. We had out of our company which was only 44…nineteen killed and wounded, two killed dead on the field an[d] two died since. I was slightly wounded in the side and hand by a piece of shell…it drove the US that was on my cartridge box thru the leather nocking me down the hill and bruised my side and laming my hip but I am nearly well again so I think I will be able to try them on again. There is a very large army of us soldiers from all parts of the Northern states. We have been in General Hulburt's division until lately. We are now under General Nelson…Ike Duey is sick on the boat. Our reg. is reduced to near one half what it was when we landed at Evansville…we have lost twenty two killed and died of sickness and discharge…I am thankful that I am still alive although there is a great battle pending…our outside encampment and the secesh are not over three miles a part and there is skirmishing a going on every day…". The original stamped patriotic transmittal cover is also included.
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