Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A great war-date Union artilleryman's letter, 6pp. 4to. & 8vo, written by Pvt. Thomas Corwin Potter, [MWIA Chickamauga, 9/20/63 both his arms were blown off by pre-ignition of his cannon, buried Chattanooga National Cemetery], "Camp Walker, Tenn., April 18, 1862," to his sister in Michigan, in part: "…we are 14 miles south of Columbia on the Savannah road…[Sunday 29th]…our cavalry…brought in three or four prisoners, members of the rebel army, who after the battle of Pittsburg Landing…made tracks for home but were picked up by our scouts. They all seem to be hearty tired of the warfare…[10 A. M. Monday 21st]…it is just 6 months ago…since our engagement with the rebels at Wild Car…a party of ten teamsters belonging to General [William (Bull)] Nelson's Division arrived here…from Savannah. They report that Jeff Davis has arrived at Corinth with 30,000 troops to reinforce Gen. Beauregard and that he is to command in person…our troops have burned bridges in their rear…entirely cutting off retreat. They will be obliged to fight or surrender….[Tuesday 22nd]…the sutler has arrived…we were all disappointed about mail…as he brought only a few letters…there is rebels enough…at Corinth to make the [?] ring again with the discordant sounds of war…[Wednesday 23, 8 A. M.]…last evening…the arrival here of a party Union refugees from Clinton, Tenn. 110 in number, poor fellows, they ere in a bad condition without arms, clothing…they were obliged to leave their defenseless families to the tender mercy of their former friends…now Demonical and relentless foes. They travel[ed] by night and during daylight daylight they concealed themselves…in the woods, but at last they arrived within our lines where they were welcomed by deafening cheers and were well cared for and this morning they leave for Nashville where they are to be furnished and mustered into service. [Same day 6 p. m.]…just returned from a general inspection and review…we were harnessed and…marched off towards the village accompanied by acting Brigadier General Starkweather and staff…arriving at a large clover field…we were drawn up in line of battle and for three hours our able commanders put us through the various movements of an imaginary conflict…{thursday 24, 3 p. m.]…we had a brigade drill on…yesterday's parade ground…under the eye of the general. Returned to camp about noon. There is no more appearance of warfare here than if we were lying in Camp Denison…". The letter's original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG.
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.