2023-03 HCA Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023
Union soldiers 3pp. letter written by John J. Knox who mustered into "D" Co. MI 5th Infantry, was wounded 5/31/1862 Fair Oaks, VA, promoted to Captain 1/25/1863. Datelined, Headquarters 5 Mich. Vols. On the Battle Field Va. May 5, 1863 to his wife. In part, "This is the anniversary of Williamsburg - one year ago today I stood beside my fallen comrades and battled for my Country's Freedom. For the past three days I have been witnessing and participating in just such scenes - and Oh - my dear one, I feel thankful to almighty God for sparing my wicked and reckless life this long. ... I know not how long this battle will last, or how it will be terminated. But yet, think that I will pass through unharmed and will be permitted to return to you unharmed. But should it be otherwise, I can only hope your future life through the kind interposition of Him who ruleth all things, may be more happy than your past... ON SATURDAY WE FOUGHT ALL DAY AT INTERVALS, CHANGED POSITIONS AND FORMED LINE OF BATTLE NO LESS THAN 13 TIMES.... Saturday night we found the enemy had flanked us and at 11 1/2 p.m. formed again. Our Brigade and General Ward's were expected to route 30,000 Rebels. IT WAS INDEED A FORLORN HOPE, AND EVERY ONE FELT AS THOUGH WHEN HE EXITED THE WOODS, HE WOULD NEVER COME OUT ALIVE....ON WE WENT STILL AS DEATH, WHEN ALL AT ONCE ONE OF THE MOST TERRIFIC FIRES I EVER HEARD OPENED UPON US - MUSKETRY AND ARTILLERY - ON ON WE WENT, YET WE COULD HARDLY DISTINGUISH FRIEND FROM FOE. ...CHARGED OVER AND TOOK THE BREASTWORKS UP TO THE MOUTH OF THE CANNON, AND WERE REPULSED. AND WHAT IS THE MOST SHAMELESS AND UNPARDONABLE OF ALL IS WE WERE FIGHTING OUR OWN MEN - THE 12TH ARMY CORPS. IN THAT CHARGE WE LOST 27 MEN. ..." Since the letter is only signed "John" it is fortunate that it comes with its original envelope addressed: "Mrs. Jno. J. Knox Clarkston, Michigan".
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