A Gloom Is Cast Over Kirkland's Disappearance During The Battle of Chickamauga.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017

A sad pair of war-date letters, totaling 6pp. 8vo., written by Rufus Billing Cowing following the disappearance of his brother during the battle of Chickamauga, New York [City], Sept. 26 & Oct. 14, 1863 to his mother, reading, in part: "…[Sept. 26, 1863]…Genl. Roscrans has just had another hard battle and was pretty badly defeated. Kirk was in the engagement and I hope is safe but I am afraid that he has not been so fortunate this time. We must have lost 10,000 men in killed, wounded & missing…his division was very badly cut up. He was under Genl. Palmer. I shall let you know the result the moment I hear…good or bad…let us trust all to God. If K has escaped this time I shall begin to think that he is bullet proof…Rufus B. Cowing." The second letter is dated Oct. 14, 1863 and reads, in part: "I have not yet heard a word from Kirk but I have written to Uncle Estis in Cincinnati & also the major of the 6th Ohio regiment to see if they can give me any information. I think that he has been taken prisoner…the Cincinnati papers give a list of killed & wounded…he is put down as missing & I presume that he was taken prisoner. His regiment was cut all to pieces. They lost over 150 men. The colonel, Lieutenant colonel, adjutant & most of the captains were wounded. I am expecting to hear from Uncle Estis every day…if he is a prisoner he will avoid the next great battle which must soon take place between Gen. Roscrantz and Gen. Bragg. He has probably been taken to Richmond & will…be exchanged…if he is a prisoner he will fare pretty well…our government is all the time exchanging prisoners…he will soon be exchanged & will in the mean time avoid all fighting. He may not have been taken prisoner but may have been killed but let us hope for the best…God will do all things well. Now mother don't fret & worry…put your trust in God…the battle which he was in was a terrible one many thousands were killed & wounded…Rufus B. Cowing." Both near fine. (2 letters)

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$A Gloom Is Cast Over Kirkland\'s Disappearance During The Battle of Chickamauga.$