Pennsylvania Reserves Battle of Fredericksburg Letter.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015

A great war-date Union officer's battle letter, 4pp. 4to., written by 2nd Lt. Cheyney W. Nields, Co. A, 30th Penn. Vols. (1st Reserves), "Camp near White Oak Church, [Va.], Dec. 20, 1862," in part: "…Capt. Tally's report of the late engagement relative to my conduct on the field. Capt. Talley now commands our regiment…I am very proud of the mention he made of me-a pride which I know you share with me…I never wish to be in another battle…I am sick and tired of bloodshed…I am compelled to remain in the army [and] I have not disgraced myself…I must tell you something of the battle prefacing my account…that our Division was thrown to the front when our position was properly on the left. My explanation is this. Reynolds who commands our corps and Meade who commands the Division have both been appointed major generals…but their appointments have not been confirmed by the senate. The bravery of the Penna. Reserves secured both these generals their appointments and it was necessary that the confirmations should be secured…the result was we were marched to the front and formed in line of battle. For three hours we lay in line under the most fearful artillery fire I ever saw…during the whole time the stretchers were constantly engaged carrying off the dead ad wounded. At last we were ordered where the whole line stretching for a quarter of a mile were up, their bayonets flashing in the bright sunlight and forward we went…we carried their two lines of rifle pits and drove their infantry in the most confusion through the woods which we [?] from their possession…by this time our ranks had become terribly thinned…we stood our ground in the midst of terrible slaughter. We needed reinforcements. None came. The enemy brought up a new line of fresh troops and we fell back…not until then did any one appear to support us and when they did come the[y] broke before they had gone one third of the distance we had gained…as we came back Genl. Meade said to us that we had done all that human beings could…that we had no support when it was needed & then told us to go back to our camp. The loss in our Division (over 2200 men)…of the blood…the courage with which our men fought…I am thankful to the great God that I was saved. Through it all officers from Smith's Division which was on our right and not engaged told us that they were watching…and that it was the general expression…that it was the most brilliant charge of the whole war. God grant…that it may never be necessary for me to go near another battle…we are to go on picket tonight…your son, Cheyney". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG to near fine.

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