Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A great war-date Union artilleryman's letter, 4pp. 4to, 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], McMinnisville, Tenn., Aug. 22, 1862," to his sister, in small part: "…remember that i am but one among one million who have or are to hold themselves in readiness to be shot at by the rebels…a great proportion of these men leave families who are in a great measure dependent on them for a livelihood…I have long endured hardships and privations and peril…there is none who will be more happy to hear of peace…than your humble servant…do not worry about Homer or Wm. being drafted. They stand a chance…as for the rebels carrying the day. Tis out of the question. We have been playing war so far trying to recall them by kind words but to no affect. Let us commence a vigorous warfare with them just as if we were warring with a foreign power and this rebellion will be ran into the ground within two months…we are camped at the town of McMinnisville situated at the foot of Cumberland mountain…southeast of Murfreesboro. This is the key to middle Tennessee as the only two routes across the mountains…being the direct rout from Chattanooga to Nashville. It is 60 miles fro this town to the former and it is now occupied by the rebel forces under General Beauregard and Bragg said to number from 60,000 to 70,000…General [William (Bull)] Nelson has been sent to Louisville to take charge of the new troops and his division is commanded by Brigadier Amon. Day before yesterday Major General Thomas arrived and assumed command. General Wood…it will not be proper for me to state how many troops we have here…[except] to say that if the rebel chieftain sees fit to advance…a pretty hot dish before he reaches Nashville…". The letter's original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG.
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