Raynors HCA 2017-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2017
A Union soldier’s letter written by “John A. Hennessey who enlisted on 12/2/1861 as a 2nd Lieutenant and was ommissioned into "K" Co. PA 52nd Infantry, constantly promoted up to Brig-General 3/13/1865 by Brevet . He is writing here as Captain to Col. H.M. Hoyt, Headquarters 52nd PV, Morris Island, SC., Dec. 20th, 1864. The content includes “let you know how things are in the Regt. and on the miserable barren god-forsaken island.” Hennessey goes on to state that there has been “much trouble in the regt. among some of the officers in regard to Genl. Order 153.” This General Order is found on the Internet and we will include a copy. It basically states that the 52nd Penn. under Col. Hoyt failed in an attempt to take James Island in a bayonet attack. Hennessey consoles Hoyt stating that “some of the officers mentioned by name have never been known to flinch from duty, and that he should not worry too much about it.” Hennessey goes on to state the fine appearance of the 52nd after a recent inspection, but that as a regiment they have been “doomed”. He asks the Colonel to help him procure several appointments and commissions and the need for about 200 more men. He asks for himself the rank of Major… and according to the Database received it on January 5th, 1865.
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