Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
War-date Union soldier's battle letter, 3pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Rufus Robbins, [DOD, Philadelphia, January 7, 1863] Co. K, 7th Mass. Vols., [Harrison Landing], Va., July 4, 1862, in part: "…June 24th. We were on picket that day the fight commenced the next morning about 9…the fight began near our old encampment where we lost our knapsacks…about noon we were called to the front. We held a position there until the next morning…our Regt laid some four hours flat on our bellies in an open field in front of…woods which was occupied by the Rebs. There was no conflict between us and the Rebs until after dark save…sharpshooters tried to pick some of us off…there was plenty of shell and some canister passed over our heads…after dark our Col. gave us orders to withdraw as quietly as possible all his orders being passed along the line in a whisper but a Regt can't move without noise. We drew their fire before we got 20 ft. 2 or 3 good vollies. We laid down to it again and when they got through we up and returned it and [then] retreated…we had but 2 men wounded…one of them very slightly but Augustus Fullerton I fear is badly wounded. After gaining our position we commenced immediately to throw up a breastwork. When we had got it about 1/2 done they came up and gave us another volley. We were better prepared for them this time and we gave them so well a directive that they soon left. Since that time there has been a great change in our lines. We are now down on the James River…affectionately, Rufus." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG to near fine.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.