Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
A great war-date Union surgeon's battle letter, 2pp. folio, Orin Warren 21st Massachusetts Vols., "Camp near Newbern, March 20, 1862, to his sister Annie Warren who married Surgeon William C. Towle of the 12th & 23rd Maine, in part: "We have passed thro another terrible battle…this was worse than Bulls Run. We landed on the morning of the 13th, marched about 4 or 6 miles when we came upon extensive earthworks which upon examination we found deserted as they were not completed…a native told us that a train of cars had run down there hat noon loaded with soldiers but…they returned…our regt, having the post of honor, taking the lead…the battle of Roanoke & their gallant conduct gave them that position…[that] honor was given in the battle of Roanoke to Hawkins Zouaves…our Regt…were the ones that charged the battery & were the first in it. They [Hawkins Zouaves] committed the same blunder…at Big Bethel…of firing into our own troops. In the last battle they suffered most in killed of any Regt. After passing the first earth works we advanced slowly until dark & bivouacked in the swamp…in the morning it was cloudy & very foggy…our troops were up…before we knew it & found them within still stronger works…the right wing of our Regt charged upon a position of the works & succeeded in carrying a portion of them when they were subjected to a galling fire from both sides…about 3000 [rebels] charged bayonets on them (200) & they had to retreat or have been cut up. Capt. [John D.] Frazer also MWIA Chantilly, Va., 9/1/62 died Washington, DC 9/24/62]…was shot in the elbow & of course dropped his sword…was taken prisoner & guarded by three men & when they retreated he told them that the first one that moved he would shoot…the joke was that he could not…with his left hand…they in turn were taken prisoner…all our wounded are now in the general hospital at Newberne…we shall stay here some time…unless we are taken prisoner…Manassas is evacuated & Richmond [is] taken…we think it only a hoax…my horse has been sick & I like to have lost him…O. Warren." Warren also served in the 33rd Massachusetts Vols. The original transmittal cover is included. Near fine.
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