Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
War-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by William H. Hibbard [DOD at Baton Rouge, 6/25/63], Co. B, 160th New York Vols., Bio Beth, [Bayou Boeuf, La.], Mar. 30, 1863. The Diana was ordered to make a reconnaissance up Bayou Teche by the Grand Lake route, but for some reason she went up the Atchafalaya, right in the teeth of the enemy. On board were two companies and one of Brig.-Gen. Weitzel's aides. When near Pattersonville the vessel was assaulted by Confederate Gen. Dick Taylor's whole force and compelled to surrender, with all on board. Taylor reported the Union loss in killed, wounded and prisoners as 150. The gunboat mounted 5 heavy guns, and these also fell into the enemy's hands. The letter reads, in part: "…one of our gun boats went up the river the 29th [28th]. The rebels opened fire on the boat [USS Diana] with 18 pieces of cannon. They fought about an hour then the captain of the boat surrendered. The soldiers was most all killed on the boat. What [weren't] killed was taken prisoners. Company F of the 160 regiment was on the boat. They was all killed but 3 or 4. The captain & lieutenant [1st Lt. Edwin Kirby captured and paroled March 30, 1863] of Company F was killed. One of the soldiers jumped into the river & swank ashore. The rebs shot at him but didn't hit him. I am sorry the men are killed but I am glad the boat is taken for they [had] no business to go up there right into a rebel force with such a few men. The gun boat had on 5 pieces of cannon…what was that to 18 pieces & a larger force. They weren't but 2 companies on the boat…the rebs will whip us if they don't carry on this war a little different…there is 6000 men here doing nothing & 3 companies of heavy artillery & 3 companies of cavalry…if the North intends to whip the rebels they have got to fite sum…I had bad luck when we fel back from Brashear City. I put my knapsack on the cars & when we came to get off my knapsack was gone…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG
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