Raynor HCA 2013-07
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/18/2013
A rare pair of war-date Union sharpshooter commander's letters, totaling 3pp. 4to., written by Col. PATRICK EMMET BURKE (1830-1864) as colonel commanding the Western Sharpshooters. The first letter written entirely in Burke's hand is, 2pp. 4to., "Camp Western Sharpshooters, Corinth, [Miss.], Aug. 23, 1862", in part: "I would respectfully request the…returning Capt. Longstreet's compy. to duty with the regiment. We report 247 enlisted privates for duty out of which we have to furnish daily 105 privates for duty as guards etc. Capt. L's compy is doing nothing and might as well aid their brother soldiers. Besides they are innocent of anything like battalion drill and will if they remain where they are be totally inefficient in the field. I have no men to detail as fatigue, and can not today, get men enough to pitch my tent without taking those just relieved from guard [duty…I am] hoping the company will be ordered to its regiment and that the guard of honor may be furnished by the regiment from its best and cleanest soldiers…P. E. Burke, Col. Western Sharpshooters, 14[th] Mo. Vols. Near fine. ...The second letter is also entirely in Burke's hand, 1p. 4to., "Camp W. S. S. 14 Mo. Vols., Corinth, Miss., Sept. 16, 1862" in full: "I have the honor to enclose copy of telegram from Capt. Piggot comdg. at Burnsville, also copy of my answer to him…P. E. Burke, Col. 14[th] Mo. Vols…". Near fine. Burke was born Ireland, but immigrated to the United States in 1846 settling in St. Louis, Missouri that same year. He became a lawyer and active supporter of a faction of the Missouri Democratic Party who opposed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the expansion of slavery in the Western Territories. In May 1861 he participated in the capture of the secessionist led Missouri Militia camped at Jackson, Missouri and is mentioned for gallantry in General S. D. Sturgis' battle report for the battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri. In June 1862, Burke was appointed commander of a multi-regiment unit known as the Western Sharpshooters consisting of several volunteer regiments. After whipping the undisciplined unit into fighting shape he successfully led them at the battle of Corinth, Miss. in early October 1862. Following the battle he was appointed commandant of Corinth and helped to secure the region from Confederate forces. When the sharpshooters reenlisted in 1863 its members started purchasing, at their own expense, Henry Repeating Rifles and in April 1864 when Sherman organized his army to attack Johnston, Burke was made a brigade commander. On May 16, 1864 during a sharp skirmish with a Georgia sharpshooter unit at Rome, Georgia Burke was severely wounded in the left leg which had to be amputated. Gangrene set in and he died four days later and was buried in the family plot at St. Louis, Missouri. Also included is a 1p. 4to., 81st Ohio [a unit in Burke's 1864 brigade] related letter written by Capt. R. E. Bryant. Overall VG to near fine. (3 letters)
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.