Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
War-date Union soldier's battle letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Rufus Robbins, [DOD, Philadelphia, January 7, 1863] Co. K, 7th Mass. Vols., Harrison Landing, Va., July 11, 1862, in part: "…we have got a pretty good company place now but our Col…not satisfied with it went out…to find a better one but returned better satisfied with this than any he could find. The atmosphere he says is not so tainted with the smell of dead soldiers, horses and mules here as in other locations…so fierce was the contest for eight days commencing…Wednesday June 25th that both armies were obliged to leave many of their dead unburied…we had a part in the fight on the 25th. Since then the 7th have had no part in any of the battles except our position in the line and the support of our battery which was not called into action…our battles were well fought…our loss is great but that of the enemy is much greater. Our retreat was skillfully accomplished. We had a long line to support…we had a front not less than 15 miles and whilst our ranks were growing thinner…they were continually receiving reinforcements…they outnumbered us nearly 3 to one. They pushed us hard…hoping to create a panic or being too full of whiskey…they rushed on in great numbers…regardless of consequences and our men having choice of position. [This] caused their great destruction. They keep their men full of whiskey all the time while we…go into battle…clear headed…we never draw rations of whiskey except when it is very stormy…or on fatigue duty…we believe in God and believe that he has raised up men equal to the work…we suffer here for want of good water…we are digging wells…your brother Rufus." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG to near fine.
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