2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Autograph Letter Signed, 2nd Rhode Island, 4p. octavo, pencil, Camp Winfield Scott, April 23, no year, it reads in part: “...I take pencil in hand to let you know how and what the 2nd R.I. is doing....took up the line of march, and marched about two miles where we camped. Here was camped Davidson’s Brigade, comprising the 7th Maine, 33rd N.Y., 49th N.Y., & 77th N.Y. Regts. The reason we were brought here was to reinfoce this brigade. A little over a quarter of a mile from here was a rebel fort mounting some heavy guns, which could they get a chance to fire would have made the roads to hot for us. But our sharp shooters do not give them a chance to fire a gun. Not over 500 yds from this fort, our men have thrown up a large fort and have dug rifle pits nearly 1/4 of a mile long...For some 3 or 4 nights we have been called into line, on account of the rebels firing at our pickets. They march a whole regt. down on the banks of the creek and fire their pieces with out taking aim or anything else...Yesterday...a continuous fire was heard in the direction of our pickets and the order was given for us to fall in line and load at will! as quickly as possible. In less than three minutes every man was in line, When Genl. Davidson rode up and gave the order to forward guid centre. Every man expected that we were to have warm work. We went in about 200 yds, through thickets swamps & guagmire...Here we laid down in the mud and water and skirmsihers were thrown out on our right and left for the purpose of enticing the rebels into this open space. But secesh wouldn’t come...During the attack yesterday on our pickets 3 of the 7th Maine Regt....were wounded and one killed. The one killed was pierced with 6 or 7 bullets...” More.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.