Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Coleman Tilden, Co. H, 43rd Mass. Vols., Newbern, [N. C.], May 25, 1863, to his parents, in part: "…there was considerable excitement and the cavalry had been ordered out…a lot of our men were exhausted in the swamp and surrounded by the rebels…the rebels came down as far as Batchelder's creek and commenced shelling the camp of the 58th Pa. regiment who were on picket there. The regiment turned out and engaged them. The colonel of the 58th [John Ritcher Jones] was killed, shot right through the breast by a sharpshooter…the 45th were ordered right up there that night and started about ten…yesterday they came back also the cavalry as the rebels had fall back. Col. Jones who was killed was one of the smartest colonels in the service. He was one of the most daring reckless man that ever lived. He always said…that he should never be killed. The rebel was not alive who could kill him. His regiment has been fighting ever since they been out here…he would find out where a small body of rebels were by…scouting and at night he would march and capture the whole of them. He has sent in any quantity of prisoners and has scouted the country for miles…he was quite an old man, well liked…and was always at the head of them fighting like the rest. It was his regiment that got round to the rear of the rebels in this last fight…Saturday night the prisoners were brought in about two hundred of them…I have seen a great many prisoners and they were always the meanest looking men that I ever saw in my life, but there were an exception. They were all real smart looking men and wore the rebel uniform…it is very coarse gray cloth, short jacket and pants of the same color. There are scarcely any that have uniforms, most of them wearing the same clothes that they did at home. They came in under a guard of the 27th regiment and were lodged in jail. Yesterday they were put on board a steamer to be sent to Fortress Monroe. Co. F of the 44th have gone with them to guard them. The rebels seemed to take it easy enough laughing and talking as though they were not prisoners…a great many were glad enough to get clear of the rebels…yesterday was the first Sunday that I have ever been in Newbern…the bells ringing for church and all the people dressed in their best going to and from church…it would have made you laugh if you could see the darkies dressed up and walkin round. They put on everything they can pick up airs and all and strut round as though they were the greatest persons in the World…they are expecting the 54th regiment here every day…I hope they will get here before we leave the city as I should like to see them…Coleman." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG.
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