Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
A great war-date Union soldier's Antietam battle letter, 6pp. various letter sheets, written by Pvt. Homer S. Thompson, Co. E, 45ht Penn. Vols., "Camp on the field, [Antietam, Md.], Sept. 19, 1862", in part: "…I have escaped without a scratch…we have been on the go night and day for the last three weeks…we have been advancing slowly and steadily for the last week and the enemy have been disputing our passage inch by inch. Not a foot have we gained but we had to fight for. The battle commenced at Frederick City which is situated at the foot of a range of mountains…last Saturday we lay in camp in sight of Frederick City with the enemy disputing the road with our advance. In the evening we were ordered to prepare to march and started…Sunday morning there was fresh beef killed for us…the artillery commenced to play on both sides. An hour afterwards our brigade was ordered to fall in and advance. We passed down the side of the mountain…the fire of both our own and their batteries were firing over our heads. We advanced one mile up the South Mountain…we formed a line of battle…when the Rebel batteries commenced to throw shot and grape and canister…they over shot…about 25 rods. We lay there about two hours with them playing on us…their infantry commenced to fire into us. We advanced about 20 rods…we gave them the contents of our muskets and kept up a constant fire for one hour. The Rebels gave way…at which moment the 100 P. V. made a bayonet charge which completely gained the day…the loss was 25 killed and 112 wounded. Our company lost one killed and 15 wounded. John Bell of Rock Springs was killed…on the afternoon of the 17th…we were put in the advance and set to work on the enemy…our batteries were out of ammunition…it would be killing men for no good to advance with the infantry. The loss in our company was one killed and 4 wounded…the wounded were strangers to you. Yesterday we lay on our arms all day with nothing doing only among the skirmishers. In the evening we were relieved by another division who took our place…this is all hilly, mountainous country where they have every advantage of us…they are packing up to leave…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Overall VG
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