Raynors HCA 2015-08
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015
A good war-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Jerry M. Cramlett (Jeremy W. Cranibett in CW database), Co. I, 72nd Illinois Vols., Memphis, Tenn., July 28, 1863 addressed to Ellen "Nellie" Sherman, in part: "…I took a severe cold while we were down the Yazoo Pass…& have been troubled with a pain in left side ever since…I will tell you about our march from Smith's Planation, La. to the rear of Vicksburg. We marched from the above named place Sunday…May 10. Camped that night on…Perkin's Plantation nine miles down the Mississippi near…New Carthage…it fell to my lot to stand picket that night…we crossed the Mississippi at Grand Gulf…the 12…arriving in the rear of Vicksburg May the 18. We passed through several very pretty towns on our way…we came to the battle field of Champion's Hill Saturday evening just as the fight was ended. It was a horrible scene. I hope I shall never behold such a sight again. The ground was strewn with dead & dying soldiers…our Regt was the first to cross Black River monday evening & we marched to within half mile of the rebel's fortifications …I don't think I was ever so near given out. We lay on the ground that night with nothing but rubber blankets…the next day [May 22] we were called up in line of battle & marched to the front…we were marched across to the right of the main road that leads from Vicksburg to Jackson…we were ordered to lye down…advanced up toward the enemy's strong hold. Co. A was sent out as skirmishers, had not advanced far when the captain [possibly Lt. Benjamin F. Leonard] Rec'd a ball breaking his right arm, had to have it amputated…at 2 o'clock Grant's army charged the rebel works. We made a charge lost several men & had to fall back…ever your true friend, Jerrie…address J. M. Cramlet, Memphis, Tenn., Adam's Hospital, No. 3". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG.
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