Raynors HCA 2017-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017
A wonderful Civil War letter, 3p1/2p. 8vo., by New York City attorney and Harvard graduate Rufus Billing Cowing (1840-1920), New York [City], Apr. 18, 1862 to his mother, reading, in part: "I have just heard from brother…his division was in the recent engagement at Pittsburg Landing…there were some 5 or 6 thousand killed & wounded…it has pleased God to spare him and although thousands of his countrymen fell all around him not a hair of his head was injured…that was an awful battle. There was about 150 thousand men engaged and it took two days to decide the contest. The fight commenced on Sunday morning and lasted all day Sunday when night closed…our side was pretty badly whipped but late Sunday evening Genl. Nelson's division came up (K is under Nelson) & Kirk's regiment was thrown across the river ready to meet the enemy in the morning. His was the first one over. As soon as the regiment had crossed the river they were ordered to the front and there they laid on their arms all night ready to fight the enemy in the morning. When morning came the fight commenced and after fighting some 10 hours the rebels were completely routed, not without a fearful loss on our side. When I heard of the battle I was fearful for Kirk but it has pleased God to carry him through the hardest fought battle which has ever taken place on this side of the ocean…an account in the papers…spoke in the highest terms of his regiment. It said that the whole regiment stood up under the most galling fire and behaved like veterans…Buell, Grant & Nelson's division are still within about 8 miles of the enemy…there will probably be more fighting yet. There is one man in this war that I think is the greatest hero…that is Commodore Foote. I wonder if he is not related to your family. [His mother's name was Sedate Foote (1810-1874.] I should be proud to claim relationship…pray for K…I think it must have been your prayers that saved him in this last fight. A mother's prayers are always heartfelt, Rufus." Light soiling, else VG
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