Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
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], "Bivouac of the 114th Reg. near Harpers Ferry, Va., Aug. 26, 1864," in part: "…true the army is a hard place. The 19th A. C. now belong to what is called the Army of the Upper Potomac. We have had a pretty rough time since we have been in the dept. This army is commanded by General Sheridan. The 10th of this month we left this place and advanced upon the enemy who fell back showing but little fight until they arrived at Cedar Creek 10 mi[les] beyond Opequon. Here they were reinforced by Longstreet's Corps of 20,000 men [actually Gen. Joseph Kershaw's division] and they drove us back here a distance of 4 mi. We have got a strong position here. Today our regt is building breastworks in front of our line. It is thought that the rebs will attack us here. Thare is skirmishing going on at the front all the time during the day. The rebs are said to be 60,000 strong. We heard heavy cannonading yesterday at Shepardstown, but have not learnt the cause. All I know or hear anything about it war and fighting and I am perfectly sick of it…thank heaven I have only one year more. I can see no end to this war. The rebs are determined as ever but still I believe our cause is a good and just one and will yet conquer. It will be a happy day when peace again reigns…Lt. [Charles] Searle is now cap. of Co. K. Our capt is now on the line staff and our Co. is now commanded by Lt. [Jerry P.] Allis [WIA Cedar Creek, Va., 10/19/64]…E. H. Vidlear." VG
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