Raynors HCA 2015-08
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015
War-date Union soldier's letter, 3pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Samuel Humer 158th Penn. Vols., "Camp near Newbern, N. C., Sunday, April 12, 1863", concerning their march to relieve besieged Union garrison at Little Washington, N. C. by CSA General Daniel H. Hill and of their role in the artillery engagement that turned back their support for the beleaguered men, in part: "…of our expedition on the water I will give you a short history…we had orders to have three days rations cooked…we laid down to sleep in our tents…word came that we were to be at the river to take the boats at 1 o'clock in the morning…we were soon on the boat to cross the river. We got over about 2…we then took up our line of march for Little Washington which is about 32 miles by land…our advance was then about three miles a head of us. At Swift Creek…the rebus had built a fort. Our artillery was ahead. They soon drove them across the creek and shelled them for sometime…they burnt the bridge as soon as they got across the creek. They fired on our men and wounded five or six of them and killed some of our horses…the word soon came back that we could not get across the creek. We were soon on our retreat. We marched back to where we had encamped…we then got on board of a steamer and crossed over to Newbern…some of our boy acted very disrespectful on our march. This is a great place for bees. Some places there was from 20 to 30 scars and the boys went in [and] tore them all down, destroyed the bees and took the honey…they went into the houses and took the last piece of meat from poor women and [on] there way home they burned everything as they went…if the rebus would come through there and do the [the same would you] not like it. On our return as they were crossing the river with the wagons and horse one of the flat boats with 10 wagons loaded with provisions and twenty horses was sunk and drowned. The horse and three men…your friend, samuel Humer to Mr. Hamilton Mowry Esq. Newburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania ." The original stamped transmittal cover marked "DUE 6" is included. VG to near fine.
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