Raynor HCA 2013-07
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/18/2013
Jordan C. Harriss Autograph Letter Signed. Eight pages, 5" x 7.75", Vicksburg [Mississippi], May 26, 1863. Harriss, 81st Regt Illinois Volunteers, gives thanks for his good fortune and recounts the recent battles, "On the 11th…we completely routed the enemy at Port Gibson on the 12th at Raymond 14th...at Champion's Hill 17th ...at Black River & here at Vicksburg the fighting commenced 19th & the cannon is still roaring..." After receiving orders to charge, the unit advanced and "...within 40 or 50 yards of the fort...the order...was given by the Brigade commander to lie down & not fire a gun we obeyed - & lay there a long while before receiving the word to charge & let the Rebels take...aim at our heads..." Shortly after standing, he is struck "...on the shoulder by a large ball...in a minute or two another bullet came and passed through...my left arm above the elbow...I don't think our Regt will be called on to make another charge on the fortification. I expect as we have them surround that we will only shell them and keep off supplies until they surrender..." And that is exactly what happened. The city of Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, one day after the defeat of Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg. These two Union victories marked a turning point in the war. Overall toning. Separation at the folds, especially the lower portion of the main vertical fold. Light water damage. Text is faded, but still legible. With original transmittal envelope.
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