Raynors HCA 2017-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017
Union volunteer's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Kirkland Newton Cowing (1843-1863, KIA Chickamauga, Ga. Sept. '63), Co. A, 6th Ohio Vols., "Camp near Murfreesboro, Tenn., Feb. 14, 1863," to his brother attorney and New York City judge Rufus B. Cowing, in part: "Still in the old camp and from all appearances will like to remain here for some time to come…I for one am heartily sick of it fighting, fighting, great victories and what does it all amount to nothing. You asked me why I like Buell and not Rosecrans…1st Buell would not think it a victory to attack the enemy and come off 2nd best. 2nd Buell would not let one man get killed unnecessarily. You seem to blame Buell for not whipping Bragg in Kentucky…if they only would have let Buell alone he would have done it…when Bragg passed the Cumberland Buell wanted to evacuate Nashville…and attack Bragg…but…Nashville must be held by the president's order and after leaving nearly 3 divisions of his best troops to guard the place..it weakened his army so that Bragg had the largest army and they were all old troops. You go in for the man that is always victorious yo you well what great victories has Rosecrans won. His Western Virginia victories with the exception of Rich Mountain which McClellan planned did not amount to shucks. Iuka was a defeat, Corinth was a victory but it was through the foolishness of the rebels…and as for Stone River…one or two more victories would settle this army…if the Negroes are going to join the army I do wish I could get out of it. One thing is certain if ever I get into a fight I will put my load into a negro if possible. To think they are placed at the same footing as white men. I tell you brother that is not the watt Old Lincoln called for men; does he think he can do as he pleases now he has us in the army? I do not feeL like being shot at for a Negro. How do the people of Massachusetts [think] on the Burnside question. Do they think that Hooker will do any better? They had better recall McClellan and send Halleck to take Vicksburg. Address your letter, K. N. Cowing, Co. A, 6th Ohio Infantry, 3 Brigade, 2nd Division, 21st Army Corps…our division General Palmer is well liked as also is the true patriot Gen. Crittenden our corps commander…K. N. Cowing…". Brother Rufus then added this short commentary, in part: "…you better write K a letter mother, the army…will not move for sometime being stuck in the mud." Minor soiling and spotting, with one small blank section of the last page removed for scrap, else VG
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