Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A great war-date Confederate deserter's letter, 2pp. folio, written by 2nd Lt. Atwell W. Robertson [AWOL 6/04/63 & MWIA battle of Atlanta, Ga., 7/28/64] Virginia Nottoway Light Artillery, "Jenning's Grainery," July 6, 1863 addressed to Captain William C. Jeffress who meekly attempts to convince his commander that he had legitimately resigned after deserting, in part: "It is with pleasure I now take this opportunity of writing you a few lines…I was more than glad to hear from you…I would be more than glad to see you, B. H. Todd [WIA Atlanta Sept. 1864] and in fact all of the company. The piece you wrote…about Poor Tip…is very good indeed. The old man could not read it without crying…she says she has heard Tip say many time he would not give his captain for all the other captains in the Confederate States. I told my wife the other day that I was going back in service. She said if I did…she was going to write you to send me back home. Capt. if it was not for my wife and children I would be with you now. I cannot leave my wife and children anymore. I saw Genl. Taylor…he thinks the war will last Linco[l]n's time out. He says there is no chance for peace until then. He has been relieved of his command by Brigadier Genl. Colston…the election of judgeship is over…the corn crops look very well. Enclosed you will find my resignation. It was reported…that you have had a fight and that you lost one of your guns. I hope it is not so. My mother says if you had of been at camp things would have ben other wise. Poor Tip might have gotten home before de died. She says she will never get over it…she cry some every day about Poor Tip…I will come to see you all as soon as I get a chance. Nothing from the Army of the Potomac except they are in Maryland & Penn. We are expecting a big fight in the west every day…the Yankees have a force of about 20,000 men at the White House [Landing]. So says Genl. [D. H.] Hill [who] is in command at Richmond…P. S. If the resignation will not do alter it so it will do…". VG to near fine.
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