Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union officer's battle letter, 8pp. 8vo., written by Lt. William M. Thurston, Battery F (Ricketts), 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, "Camp in front of Petersburg," [Va.], Aug. 26, 1864 concerning A. P. Hill's attack upon the 2nd Corps during the battle of Ream's Station, in part: "…I will now devote part of my time to the great battle we fought yesterday. The 2nd Corps has been almost annihilated. The Rebels has commenced the offensive. About three in the afternoon the fighting commenced. We were quite fortunate being on the right of the line and lost no men. Capt. Sleeper lost his battery, also Brown and McKnight. The fighting was terrific. The roar of artillery and rattle of musketry was incessant. The field was covered with smoke. We held our ground until 3…when the Rebels made a desperate onset, breaking our lines, causing confusion and great loss of life. After the battle the scene beggared all description. Heaps of slain mingled with thousands of wounded covered the field. We lost the day but not until the Rebel hordes paid most dearly for their victory. Thus indeed one of the most eventful days in the history of this war…we will fight until our little army is buried on the field. I still hope to be safe. I trust in God…I fear my poor brother is among the lost. I have not heard from him…[evening] this has been a busy day. Large trains of ambulances are passing with the wounded carrying…to City Point, hence by boat to Washington. The firing ordeal our 2nd Corps passed through will long be remembered on the 25th Aug…many will mourn the loss of friends that fell on the eventful and bloody day…it beggared all description. The shrieks of the wounded and groans of the dying still rings through my ears. The 2nd Corps sustained the blunt of the battle and no help came until too late. Our noble little band fought with desperation, but could not withstand the shock hurled against our thinned ranks. Our corps, the nation's pride, has vanished like blossoms in the noonday sun. I could cry…why we were left to fight the Rebel Army without help some one must answer. Hancock is not to blame. He done all in his power. He rode along the lines intreating the men to hold a little longer. Reinforcements was close. His horse was shot to death under him but he mounted another…we held out until 5 p. m. The long looked for reinforcements did not come and our lines gave way. Our men retreated in good order, but our dead and wounded fell into their hands besides many things of value. I do not know what may next be done but I suppose try again as we sometimes sing…more times like this but few…will remain to fight…the boys are all busy talking of home and the war whilst our beautiful band is playing the Star Spangled Banner and other National Airs…W. Thurston, Battery F, 1st Pa. Arty, 2nd Corps…". VG
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