Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union officer's letter, 8pp. 8vo., written by Lt. William M. Thurston, Battery F (Ricketts), 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, "Camp in front of Petersburg," [Va.], Sept. 27, 1864, in part: "…last knight I dreamed of seeing you and shaking hands…I awoke and found tis only a dream. One of my tent mates asked me what had happened. I could not tell them…we have been on the move night and day…we occupy Fort Stedman opposite the city. It is a huge earth work built with sand bags. Sharp shooters are constantly at work and not a day passes but…some unfortunate being falls victim to their skill…yesterday one poor fellow of the 53rd Pa. was killed instantly by a cannon ball. It passed through his body literally tearing him to pieces. We cannot put our heads above the ground or a don balls come uncomfortably near. The city is three fourths of a mile from our guns and we fire throughout the streets. The city is ruined in many places. It has the appearance of a beautiful place but the Yankees cant go in. The news from the Shenandoah is good. I hope to hear of better results…I am for the Union and McClellan and [there are[ plenty more like me. I did not say much when home for different reasons. I thought it best to offend no one…but I will now hoist my colors…I will surprise some, but I don't care…W. H. Thurston." VG
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