Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
A great 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], "2d Div[ision], Hospital, Winchester, Va.," [n. d., but ca. Sept. 20, 1864], in part: "We advanced the 18th from Berryville when within 3 miles of Opequon we found the rebs in force then a terrible battle ensued. I was wounded in the beginning of the action. A bullet struck me in the left leg just below the knee joint and came out 3 inches from where it went in making only a slight flesh wound. The same bullet struck my right knee joint causing [a] severe bruise. Another bullet [passe]d through the fleshy part [of my ri]ght arm near the shoulder [/} causing quite a severe [flesh] wound. I am having…good care and doing fine now…give yourself no uneasiness on my account. I can, when helped on my feet, walk a very little. The rebs got whipped like the very devil. Our regt. is very badly cut up. When I write agin I will give you more particulars. Our army has drove the rebs 22 miles from here…E. H. Vildear…our army has captured 4000 rebel prisoners…my wounds do not pain me much…but I am pretty lame…I consider myself pretty lucky…our Col. [Samuel R. PerLee] was wounded. Billy Blank is wounded in the foot slightly…I shall be able to join my company in two or 3 weeks. Edward H. Vildear…". The original transmittal cover is included. Negligible mouse chew affecting several words of the text, with minor soiling and stains, else VG
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