Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
War-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Rufus Robbins, [DOD, Philadelphia, January 7, 1863] Co. K, 7th Mass. Vols., Warwick, [Va.], April 25, 1862, in part: "…this morning Co. K is on picket…we were some 4 or 5 miles nearer Yorktown…Fortress Monroe was our first stop…we camped within 2 miles of Rebel entrenchments…I went out of camp…to see them but…took care to keep Uncle Sam's guns between me and them…I went…to our earthworks (500 ids) and the Rebels were about the same distance beyond. Sharpshooters were engaged on both sides. Our men were doing great execution with their telescopic rifles. As sure as a Rebel showed himself…he was a dead man. This was to prevent their mounting guns and what they have already mounted they can only use at night as our sharp shooters pick their men off too fast…they were giving them a few shells once in a while…of the skirmish which took place near there…one of the VT regiments was so badly cut up. The Rebels were rather noisy…whilst we were there…some of our men were at work nights…digging rifle pits. This called out 2 or 3 regiments of them. They kept up a running fire to drive us back when our men retreated. Then our works would give the Rebels a few shells and drive them…Sunday night our regt was called out to occupy a place in the edge of the woods near the scene of action. They were firing briskly on our right and continued at intervals through the night…I don't know how soon Yorktown will be ours but…McClellan will make sure work of it when he does begin…with little loss of life on our side and I hope with but little on the other…Rufus." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG to near fine.
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