Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union soldier's battle letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Edward H. Vidlear, Co. G, 114th New York Vols., [WIA Opequon, Va., 9/19/64], Brashear City, La., Sept. 16, 1863, concerning a joint army and navy expedition in September 1863 to invade Texas via Sabine Pass where the Union gunboats were disabled and grounded during an engagement with the CSS Uncle Ben and heavily armed rebel shore batteries, in part: "…since I wrote home I have [been] on an expedition to Texas. Thare was 20 transports fitted out for the expedition carrying nearly all of the 19th army Corps. Our regt with two [mouse chew] was on board of the stea[m] ship Cahawha. We sailed to the mouth of the Sabine P[ass, mouse chew] which river divides La. and Texas. It is about 3 days sail from New Orleans. We arrived thare on the night of the 7th of Sept. The next day the gun boats attacked the fortifications on the point and two of them [USS Sachem and USS Clifton] got aground…were disabled and captured…we were obliged to return to New Orleans. [Berwick City, La., Sep. 17] Yesterday we crossed the bay and and were keep on picket all night. We expect to start in a few days for Texas. There is lots of troops here. Some of Grant's men are here [mouse chew] going with us…General Franklin as command of the expedition…who is going to war from Brookfield. I suppose they will pretty much all pay their little 300 rather than come…E. H. Vidlear." Mouse chew at upper left corner affecting few words [no words of vital importance] of text, else VG
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