Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A sad and poignant war-date Union soldier's battle letter, 2pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. James A. Hudson, Co. H, 1st New York (Lincoln) Cavalry, "Camp at James River, near Harrison's Landing, Va., July 21, 1862", to his cousin reporting on the mortal wounding of their cousin and the destruction of Mott's Battery during the battle of White Oak Swamp on June 30, 1862, in part: "I recd your letter…speaking of the supposed death of Coz. Bill…Potter & I saddled up…we found the segment of the Battery we were in search of. Having seen the boys several times…and being known among them as a relative of Blauvelt's I had little trouble in gathering from them the…particulars…near the close of the engagement at White Oak Swamp a shell struck and exploded in the Battery wagon shattering it into kindling…killing several horses. Bill was at this time in charge of the swing team of this ill fated wagon. A man who had charge of the wheel team says that Bill was apparently struck by a piece of that shell…he fell to the ground and tossed about in agony a few seconds then arose on his feet, walked a few paces, staggered and fell. Just then the battery was hard pressed and an order to limber up was given…nothing more was seen of him and all thought him dead till in the Herald of July 18th his name appears among the wounded ken to Fortress Monroe by the Danl. Webster. What the extent…of his wound is not stated simply the name and address "Blauvelt, W. J. 3rd New York Artillery, Mott's Battery." He was highly respected and his supposed death cast a gloom over many…this paragraph in the Herald caused great rejoicing in the battery. Their total loss was 20 killed, more than half the remainder wounded and several missing. They also lost between 3o & 40 horses, 5 caissons which were blown up by the Rebels shells…1 gun, a 10lb Parrott rifle…had to be left on the field for want of horses…it was of no use to the enemy…they have already recd 50 new horses…J. A. Hudson." Sadly, Baluvelt did not survive his wounds having died the day before this letter was written on July 20, 1862 at Brooklyn City Hospital. A bit light, but readable, else VG
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