Battle of Salem Church During the Battle of Chancellorsville

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

A great war-date pencil inscribed Union soldier’s 4pp. 8vo., letter written by Pvt. Luman E. Baldwin, Co. B, 16th New York Vol. Bank’s Ford, Va., May 6, 1863 concerning the Second battle of Fredericksburg, and of his inner most thoughts during a charge upon the enemy, in part: “…we left our camp at White oak Church…and started for Fredericksburg again…we have been under the straps [knapsacks] day and night for eight days and also under fire most of the time…last Sunday [May 3, battle of Chancellorsville]…our Regt went to support a battery. We lay in support…till…noon. This was about one mile below the city [Fredericksburg]. During the forenoon…troops from other divisions took…[Marye’s] heights…as soon as they were taken. Our division was sent in pursuit of the enemy. We marched through the city with flying colors…out on the Gordonsville road…we found the enemy drawn up to dispute our…progress…we were repulsed. Our brigade was drawn up in line of battle and sent it…it was a hard fight but they were too many for us…our Regt lost in killed, wounded, and missing185 in about twenty minutes…I was afraid when I was going in. but when we got into it I can’t say that I had any fear…our company lost 14 in killed and wounded…yesterday…we retreated across the river…it is…Hooker’s strategy for he has the main army with him trying to get in their rear. Our Corps was sent across here to draw their attention…”. Original transmittal envelope is included. In just four days, Baldwin was transferred into the 121st New York Vols., and served faithfully during Grant’s Overland campaign. Luckily, he survived all battles he was in, and was discharged in 1865. Very good.

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).