Raynors HCA 2015-08
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015
A great Augusta County, Virginia home front letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Susan Arabella "Bella" (Kennerly) Johnson, Spring Valley, [Augusta County, Va.], March 9, 1863, addressed to her aunt. In this letter Bella describes a raid her brothers participated in with Fitzhugh Lee when he attacked Union general William Averell's cavalry camp near Hartwood Church, Va. on February 25, 1863. In that raid they captured 150 members of the 3rd Penn. Cavalry and embarrassed Union cavalry commander George Stoneman who was threatened with removal of command by Hooker if he did not stop the harassing Confederate raids. In small part: "…Mr. J and Pa agree in thinking there were stronger indications of peace now than at any time since the war commenced. They think the dissatisfaction that has been so plainly expressed will result in good to us. A great many soldiers have been staying within the bounds of Mr. J[ohnson]'s circuit [her husband Rev. Blassingame Harvey Johnson, Methodist circuit rider] and have completely gleaned it of nearly everything an army could consume. Not enough was left for the use of the citizens…John writes that his health is better than he could have expected it to have been in camp. Willie [Pvt. James Will Kennerly (1843-1917) 1st Virginia Cavalry, WIA Todd's Tavern, Va., 5/07/64]…and John [Pvt. John Thomas Kennerly (1837-1882) 1st Virginia Cavalry, WIA Hawe's Shop, Va., 5/28/64] volunteered to go with Gen. F. H. Lee about two weeks ago on a scout near Fredericksburg. The party being made up of volunteers from different companies…were told they might hold as private property what they captured from the Yankees. Willie got a fine young horse, with bridle and saddle, as well as a pair of pistols. He seemed well pleased with the result of the trip…besides the booty they captured about a hundred and fifty prisoners…John had gone with the prisoners to Richmond. There he expected to have seen one of the men [slave] Pa sent to work on the fortifications who was sick in the hospital…he died before John got there. He was about twenty-three or four and a very valuable man. The other that Pa sent returned a few days ago…a number have died who went from this county and we are all hoping necessity will not call them out…how did cousin Thomas Green succeed with his substitute?…with his liability to those bad sore throats…it would be hazardous for him to return to camp…write soon if you please, Bella". A trove of research material accompanies this letter. Light toning, else VG
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