Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
Rare war-date Union soldier's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Edward H. Vidlear, Co. G, 114th New York Vols., [WIA Opequon, Va., 9/19/64], Alexandria, La., Apr. 30, 1864, in part: "…we arrived here the 25th having retreated from Grand Ecore day before yesterday. The rebs attacked and drove in our pickets and the forces were all formed in line of battle. We lay all night upon our arms, but nothing more than a cavalry skirmish took place. The cavalry were skirmishing all day yesterday. The troops were to work all day digging rifle pits and building breast works. If the Confederates attack us now they will get the worst of it. All is quiet here today…the rebs are reported to be 50,000 strong…we are encamped on a large plain. [The] Red River is very low here now. So low that our gunboats cannot get down below the rapids and unless the river rises we shall have to destroy them. We have marched about 450 miles since we left our winter quarters. Our colonel arrived here today from N[?] N. Y. One of our men who was unable to keep up on the retreat was found hung up to a tree by the roadside. Our cavalry have been sent out with orders to burn every building around here and I think they have done their duty pretty well. I think I shall get my likeness likeness taken...E. H. Vildear." VG
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