Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
War-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Lt. William H. Mickle [WIA Gettysburg, 7/01/63], 134th New York (as staff officer to the chief of artillery 20th Corps), "Hd. Qrs. Arty. Brig., 20th A. C., Savannah, Georgia, Dec. 22, 1864," in part: "Three cheers for our victorious army…from the great city of Savannah…yesterday had the pleasure of entering the objective…for which we did but little fighting! Hardee evacuated the place at night just as we were to assault their works…so we have the city and few lives lost. The city is one of the finest as yet captured…and most of the people are still living here…Majors Osborn & Reynolds were talking so much about the war that I could hardly get an idea through my head…yesterday…[I] was obliged to be in the saddle most every moment. I tired all three of my horses nearly out before night. Today I have been taking an inventory of the guns captured by our troops…and find nearly one hundred…of all calibers from over 100 pounders to 6 pars. The capture of the city and the material of war connected with it has crippled the Confederacy many millions of dollars & gives us access to Augusta…& thence to Charleston, Wilmington and finally Richmond. Our army is in the best of health and spirits & nearly ready for another campaign but…Genl. Sherman will give them…a months rest. Last evening I was with our batteries while they shelled the Ram Savannah, a formidable Rebel gun-boat and during the night they abandoned her and blew her into atoms. Now we have the coast clear…I saw two boats come up from the fleet, which is laying off the mouth of the Savannah river…I would not have missed being on our last two campaigns that resulted in the capture of Atlanta & Savannah for the world…I anticipate the movement that is to take place ere long through South Carolina that nest of traitors in which the egg of Secession was hatched…will be…thoroughly broken up if our boys pass through her borders so that she never will hatch another…William." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Overall VG to near fine.
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