Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A good war-date Union officer's battle letter, 4pp. 4to., written, on "Head-Quarters Twentieth Corps" stationery, by Lt. William H. Mickle [WIA Gettysburg, 7/01/63], 134th New York (as staff officer to the chief of artillery 20th Corps), "about Atlanta, Ga., July 31, 1864", to his parents, in part: "…it found me well but amid scenes of blood & glorious victory to our noble arms. After the Rebel Genl. Joe Johnston was relied & Hood placed in command their tactics were entirely changed & their army took the aggressive. On the 20th they charged on our corps in the open fields & dense woods but our columns stood like walls…& repelled every onset with terrible effect…on the 22d Hood attacked the left wing of our army under the late McPherson who was killed in that engagement, but again suffered a decided repulse…true to his Stonewall Jackson style of attack. On the 27th he moved his troops to our right wing where we were endeavoring to strike their R. Road and made another bold & desperate assault & the third time was beaten back with amazing slaughter!! In the three fights the estimated loss is…on the 20th Union loss about (1,800)…of which "Fighting Joe's" Corps lost (1,631)…Rebel loss (6,000)…on the 22d Union loss (3,500)…Rebel loss (10,000)…one the 27th Union loss about (600)…Rebel loss (5,500)…our own surgeons reported the rebels [losses] by counting their dead we buried…if the enemy have lost over (20,000)…in these three engagements I think they'll make but feeble demonstrations in another general battle. We are now around the city of Atlanta & frequently send our compliments in the shape of 20 pounder shells….some days we throw more than a thousand shells in the town about the RR Depot. It will be but a short time ere the Rebs will evacuate the place…our beloved hero, Genl. Hooker has been relieved from this army & ordered to Washington. Genl. Sherman had a special hatred toward him & took every opportunity to insult him & injure him…I have heard Sherman insult him before all our staff…men who worship Sherman…are ready to bow their knees etc. He has been careful never give uus credit for anything. We have done more hard fighting on this campaign than any Corps in this army & Genl. Hooker was becoming a great favorite with the men everywhere. He couldn't ride along the line…but the rousing cheers of the troops…Sherman saw this & was fearful that Hooker would transcend him as a military hero…took advantage of his being superior…& injured Genl. Hooker…Hooker never replied at such times but he could se the smart went down deep into his heart…he said if he couldn't serve in this army without a constant jarring & clashing &…to preserve [his self respect] he wished to be relieved & go where he could serve his country…our corps feels his loss very deeply…Brig. Genl. Williams is now in command of our corps. Has been with us on all the campaign. We loved him as a division commander but no one can fill Genl. Hooker's place…if Uncle Sam knew all the particulars connected with this army & this campaign Sherman wouldn't be its head another hour. I love the cause for which we are struggling-love the government & the old time honored flag…you spoke of James declaring he wouldn't serve…if his health is poor that will exempt him…it is no harder for him to go and do something for his country than any other person and as to…cry about politics, administration, the Nigger etc. It has [been] all played out…acts are needed instead of boastful words…laying aside my sorrow at the loss of our beloved Genl. Hooker I am as enthusiastic as ever….I remain as ever, William." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Near fine.
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