Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
War-date Union officer's letter, 3pp. 4to., written, on "Head-Quarters Army of Georgia" stationery, by Lt. William H. Mickle [WIA Gettysburg, 7/01/63], 134th New York (as staff officer to the chief of artillery 20th Corps), "Raleigh, N. C., Apr.14, 1865," in part: "…after four days march from Goldsboro we entered the Capital of N. Ca. in all the pomp & glory of a military people. On the 12th inst., at Smithfield, we got the soul stirring news of Lee's surrender to Grant on the 9th at Appomattox Court House & what the effect was upon our noble braves…there was one prolonged shout of victory from the center to the right & left of Sherman's vast army…the enthusiasm was almost marvelous…the intelligence of Grant's complete & unparalleled success…had a mighty effect upon our home people & I can only imagine the excitement…thousands will not believe it for months…it seems too good & too big a thing to be true. Now we shall push Johnston with all our might &…cause him to follow Lee's illustrious example…he left Raleigh in great haste & went out on the R. R. towards Greensboro while we shall try to move farther south & cut off his retreat before he reaches S. Ca. or Georgia…the Confederacy is "played out" & will fall in pieces very rapidly. Raleigh is one of the finest cities in location & surroundings…the climate is magnificent & flowers bloom as though twere perpetual spring. The citizens feel grateful to be back in the Union & tell sad tales of suffering & woe from the tyranny of Davis & his minions. I visited the statehouse early yesterday…& found it a fine edifice with all the state archives & property little molested. Washington's statue, in bronze, stands nobly in front of the Capitol & reminds one of the olden times. The Rebs destroyed considerable of the R. R. here & Goldsboro, but we will have it in running order within a day…we have the telegraph working through already. Governor Vance ran away fearing Genl. Sherman would arrest & punish him for his sins. The General sent word to him to return & do his duty…& he should not be molested…Vance will be back by tomorrow…General Sherman said in his order announcing Grant's splendid victory "Glory to God & our noble Country…honor to the brave men who so gallantly acted their part"…we trust in our heart of hearts that the dark cloud of Secession…has been forever lifted from our National sky…we may strike the final blow & thus give us…the happiness of our joyous country…ever most lovingly, William." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. The original stamped transmittal cover is included. VG to near fine.
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