Gen. Alexander Hays Strikes A Soldier In The Face, Swears at Him.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/24/2013

A great war-date manuscript Union complaint document, 2pp. folio, brought about by 1st Sergeant Francis H. Snider, Rickett's 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery Battery, "In Camp near Markham Station, Va., July 24, 1863 against Brigadier General Alexander Hays who struck him and swore at him while on the march, in small part: "Feeling myself abused while in the actual discharge of my duty…while on the march…as a non-commissioned officer of your battery carrying out your orders…whilst the battery was at a halt…General Hays commanding the 2nd Army Corps…came from the rear of the column…and in a loud tone…said, 'There are some more of those damned wagons'…I had just…taken my place alongside of it…the general crossed from the left…swearing and talking in a loud manner…that we had stolen property with us…he ordered both carts to be taken…I spoke to him and said…'that is government property…he instantly turned in his saddle…and…struck me a violent blow…and said, 'You damned son of a bitch how dare you interfere with me…I said, 'General have you a right to strike me.' He answered, 'Yes…when you dispute my orders.' I said…I have not done so…and I shall test the matter…one of the officers who was…in his rear…attracted my attention…saying…'For Gods sake say no more…I then rode forward and reported to you…". Endorsed on the verso by Capt. R. Bruce Ricketts commander of Batteries G & F, 1st Penn. Light Artillery which had just fought hand to hand (less than three weeks earlier) with Confederate soldiers among the headstones in Gettysburg's Cemetery on July 2, 1863. The endorsement reads, in part: "…back to Capt. Hazard who again sent it up saying he could not send it as it was addressed to Hd. Qrs, Army of the Potomac. Then the order was issued placing me & Sgt. Snyder under arrest to answer charges for disobedience of orders…". Worthy of further research to see if Sgt. Snyder or Ricketts every regretted bringing the complaint. VG.

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