Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union soldier's Red River Campaign letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Edward H. Vidlear, Co. G, 114th New York Vols., [WIA Opequon, Va., 9/19/64], Morganza, La., May 23, 1864, in part: "…we left Alexandria the 13th. While at Alexandria the rebs got a force below us and effectually blockaded the river cutting off our supplies and communications with New Orleans. They took 3 or 4 transports and 2 gunboats on the 4th. [A] days march from Alexandria the rebs were found to have quite a force in our front who seemed determined to give us battle. The troops were all formed in line of battle early in the morning of the 16 and in this order we advanced. We had gone a mile or more when the rebs commenced shelling our lines with…12 or 13 pieces artillery. Our artillery was got in position and made them get out…we then continued to advance the rebs slowly falling backwash giving us battle. They turned off a road to our right and the next day came in our rear [on] the 18th at Simsport. Our cavalry and artillery had quite a hard fight with the rebs lasting nearly all day. The rebs took quite a lot of mail when we were at Alexandria which was on its way to New Orleans. They also took a large mail on its way to us. I had my likeness taken at Alexandria and sent it home but I rather think the rebs got it. This place is above Port Hudson on the Mississippi…yours for the Union, E. H. Vidlear…". Negligible mouse chew at bottom, else VG
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