Raynor HCA 2014-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
A great war-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Ezra Greene, Co. H, 2nd Rhode Island Vols., [Camp Sprague, Washington], Aug. 4, [1861]", in part: I feel disposed to send…a short sketch of our battle at Bull Run on Sunday July 21st. We left our camp July the 15 where we was going we knew not but we expected some fighting and we found it…the hardest battle ever fought in America. The 2nd R. I. regmt was in the engagement 4 1/2 hours and it was hot work all the time. We marched 9 miles the first day, slept on the ground satisfied at that. Aroused at 4 1/2 marched 9 more miles to what is called Fare Fax Court House where we arrived at noon where we stopped until the next morning. We started and marched 3 miles and halted till 4 1/2 on account of a battle being fought 2 miles beyond by our cavalry…we marched 4 miles and halted for the night, aroused at 6 marched into closer quarters and brush where we slept…at 2 o'clock AM was aroused and ordered into the line of battle without food…marched about 15 miles to what us called Bulls runner OS Bloody run where the battle was at its hight…10 1/2 we made a furious charge without fear of the consequences. We kept at our work and hot it was until 3 o'clock then we was forced to retreat…I did not leave the field until the regiment was about 3 miles ahead. After the regmt halted went out into the woods and halted…I went back throughout the field to where Peleg Card lay wounded. The shots flew thick and fast around me then. Peleg lived about 1 hour. I then lay down and slept 3/4 of an hour while I lay there a cannon shot struck within a few feet of me. It was then 5 o'clock…the enemy cavalry was close behind me. I was alone I seized a rifle and 25 cartridges…intending to fight…a great many threw their guns away Bout I brought home [mine] tired and foot sore. All we had to eat was hard bread and no sleep for 38 hours. A soldier's life is a hard life and a lousy one. Our work is hard or else we have none…it is like being in state prison for we…have to do as the officers say…". Near fine.
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