"We Have Moved Over South Carolina Like a Plague!"

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015

War-date Union officer's letter, 2pp. 8vo., 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., Fayetteville, N. C., Mar. 12, 1865," in part: "…have enjoyed excellent health on all our tedious campaign. Our movements…have been one success after another & today we rest quietly in one of the best cities of North Carolina. We have moved over South Carolina like a plague cleaning it almost entirely of provisions & material of war. We have destroyed their communications so thoroughly as to necessitate the evacuation of Charleston & other prominent places. We have recaptured hundreds of our prisoners, both officers & men and burned the places where they were so badly used. Notwithstanding the Rebs have howled so much about defeating Sherman etc they have not delayed us a single hour except by destroying a few bridges & they were repaired in the night, ready for the morning…all the boys…are well…we have 5 or 6 days march yet…a boat came from Wilmington this a. m…the Confederacy is nearly "played out"…ever, William…direct as usual Lt. W. H. Mickle, aaag Arty. Brig. 20th A. C." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG to near fine.

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