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 by Sgt. Major Marquis L. Holt (signed M. L. Holt), Co. E, 3rd New Hampshire Vols., "Camp 3rd N. H. Vols., Before Wilmington, N. C., Jan. 30, 1865," in part: "…I will commence with the landing of the troops as our embarking, sailing and voyage…is the same old story of sea-sickness and other things…we commenced to land about 9 A. M. of the 13th and by 5 p. m. were all ashore. It fell to the lot of the old 3rd to go on picket and establish the line that night…we was kept on almost 48 hours. About 10 AM of the 15th we fell back from the picket line and marched about two miles down the beach towards Fort Fisher and took position with our brigade in the…works thrown up by the 2nd Divis. facing Wilmington and cutting off all communication between the city and the fort …about 4 p. m. orders came for us to hasten to the fort in light marching order and as ever the old 2nd Brigade was on hand…our general thought it unwise to march us into the fort until after dark as the enemy would have a chance to lay us out and we be powerless to return their fire. At dark we marched into that part of the fort, that was captured which…included about one third of the traverses. On arriving inside we found the 2nd Divis. rather demoralized and giving ground…though they had fought as well as men can fight. They were now 'fought out'. We (the 3d) was immediately forwarded in advance of the brigade and took up position in the last traverse captured…let me tell you we were not long in position before we commenced work…which told on the enemy. From traverse to traverse we fought them hand to hand…over 2 hours when a shout burst from the lips of the old 3d bearing to the breeze the cry of Victory…this was one of the proudest moments of my life as I stood in the moon light, surrounded with my comrades, upon the parapet of a fort which had…been pronounced impregnable by…whom had been assigned the duty of defending the harbor of Wilmington (Gen. Bragg)…we were not the first in the grand assault…yet is fell to our lot to give the first cry of victory…the Army & Navy can shake hands over this victory…never have the Navy done better…could you have witnessed the bombardment of the 15th just before the assault you would think that they could do a good deal…Ned has written all the news (or at least I expect he has)…direct your letters to Fort Fisher, Wilmington Harbor, N. C…". The original transmittal cover is included. VG to near fine.
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