Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
War-date Union officer's letter, 6 1/2pp. 8vo., written by Lt. William M. Thurston, Battery F (Ricketts), 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, "Head Qrs. Baty 14," [Petersburg, Va.], Feb. 9, 1865, in part: "…I paid brother a short visit last week. He looks well and seems to be in good cheer, but will not get to come home. I pity him but cant do much for him as he is a drafted man and has no sympathy. I am anxious to hear from him again as there has been a great battle fought on the left and his Corps was engaged and lost heavily. Part of the 2nd Corps went but fortunately we were left to hold the lines in front of Petersburg although we may be attacked at any moment. I expect it, but am ready. I am confident of our ability to hold the lines. Trains filled with the poor wounded are passing almost every hour. Hundreds die before reaching City Point in the cars…I entertain some doubts and fear that we have the same old story. Many good men lost and but little gained. I heard just now that Genl. Warren of the 5thy Corps was killed and Gregg…twill cast a gloom over the army and the country. Warren is one of our ablest and best men. He was kind and courteous and did not think it beneath his dignity to speak to the humblest privates…though he holds an honorable and high position. Cannonading was heavy tonight but it has ceased and all is quiet in format save the wary pickets. True…and trusty rifle goes Bang, Bang to tell the Johnnies that the Yanks are…alway ready. I am anxious to hear the results of the battle near the South Side R. Road…tis only 12 miles from here…Lieut. Campbell has marching orders with his four guns…may repair to the scene of strife at any moment. I will not need to go as I am on the front line and must help to hold these works. Baty No. 5 near the river has been sending huge shells through the buildings of Petersburg, crashing and tearing frightful all the evening. I think it will wake up the citizens. How would you like to live in such a place…I think that Southern women are much better soldiers than some of our would be Northern men. They do not cry when the draft comes…but say go and fight like men. They would just as…shoot a blue Yankee as not…I have just heard that Baty B of our Regt. lost all their officers and 30 men on the 6th. Capt. McClellan was killed…Lieut. W. H. Thurston…". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor spotting, else VG
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