Raynor HCA 2014-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
A good war-date Union officer's battle letter, 3pp. 8vo., written on U. S. Christian Commission stationery with the inscription that he "I borrowed this.", by 1st Lt. Maurice Leyden, [POW Darbytown Road, Va., 10/07/64, confined Libby Prison & Salisbury, N. C.], Co. B, 3rd New York Cavalry, "On the battlefield three miles from Petersburgh, Va., Aug. 21, 1864", in part: "I have been in three battles within four days…we have just had one of the most severe fights that I ever saw. The rebs got the worst of it-must have lost three to our one. Near where I am writing [there] are several hundred dead, dying and wounded rebel soldiers and officers. Our surgeons are doing the best they can for them. They are laid out in rows…it is a hard sight…we now hold the Petersburgh and Weldon R. R. Gen. Lee says he must have it back should it take half his army…I had just time to read them when the rebel cavalry charged on me and my sixty men. I got the best of them and drove them back…had one man killed. Here comes Gen. Meade and Warren. I can not write you any more…we have orders to move at once…I must hold my hat over the paper while I try to write as to keep it dry. It rains and has for several days. Roads are in an dreadful condition…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Near fine.
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