Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
A great war-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written, on patriotic stationery, by Corp. Ephraim Tuttle (unsigned, but complete), Co. F, 45th Ohio Vols., Chattanooga, Tenn. Oct. 3, [1862], in part: "…our brigade (1st brig., 1st Div. Res. Core) was scattered from Wartrace to Estel Springs 23 miles guarding…which time we took up our line of march to Chattanooga across the Cumberland mountains [on] a road so bad that I hate to talk about [it] let alone travel [it.] We got to Bridgeport 10th [Sept.]…and traveled through 3 states stopped at 7 o'clock in the evening and rested 4 hours then took up our line of march, traveled all night and Monday at noon [were] within supporting distance of the main army 4 miles past Chattanooga. Lay in camp to Friday…marched out 3 miles had a skirmish at dark. Saturday [we] had a severe fight on the left wing in which our Brig only took part of the batter. Had one lieut., 3 privates wounded. Sunday morning we got in position to be ready if we were attacked [and] was in that position to 10 o'clock till we were ordered to the center…to support Gen. Thomas in time to save the Army of the Cumberland. This is said to be the heaviest part of the battle and hardest one of the war….my life appeared nothing to me. Our country's redemption was all my [?]. That object appeared [to be on] every mind…God…spared my life…but I may fall a victim yet…Sunday the battery lost in wounded 1 Lieutenant, 1 private, six horses. The brigade lost very heavy. The staff lost one killed and 4 wounded out of six. Gen. Whitiker was wounded. [He is the] brigade commander. Monday we was not engaged but lay ready under a hill while the cannon balls past over us. That night we fell back across the river and took position on a mountain commanding the river 3 miles below town…Wednesday [we] had an artillery duel across the river [with] no loss one our side. Rebs begun [it.] We ended it. They occupy Lookout Mountain which is a mile high. We can see them every day and the pickets fire on each other everyday across the river…we have been under fire since Sept. 18th…the battle is renewed which I hope wont be long. Old Rosy is busy. We have had a sore time of it since we left Bridgeport, marching through clouds of dust, water scarce and sleepless nights…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included which shows the recipient being Owen Tuttle of Crawford Co., Ohio. Both VG
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