Raynors HCA 2019-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2019
A great war-date Confederate volunteer aide's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by volunteer staff officer, Thomas Marshall (1826-1864), "Hd. Qrs, Detached Forces, Martinsburg, [Va.], Dec. 9, 1861," reading, in part: "My darling son…I have been moving about a good deal lately…I am now acting in the capacity of assistant adjutant general to General Carson during the absence of Mr. George Ward [George Taliferro Ward, 1810-1862, Colonel 2nd Florida, MWIA Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862] who is in the legislature. I left Winchester on Friday night…& rode with Mr. Byrd a lawyer in Winchester & rode to…Martinsburg (22 miles distant)…the militia under Genl. [James Harvey] Carson [1808-1884] took up the line of march …in direction of Martinsburg, but were met on the way by a courier from Major [Elisha F.] Paxton [future general CSA] ordering the command to support him in an expedition to Dam No. 5 on the Potomac river with a view to break it down so as to let the water out of the canal…acting as great reservoirs or feeders. We were joined…by a considerable force of artillery, cavalry & two volunteer companies…Col. [Turner] Ashby was in command of the cavalry. We…moved on towards the river reaching it…about three…in the afternoon. The militia was then halted & the artillery & cavalry moved on, to the river…Dam No. 5 is just at the old 'Honeywood House". I saw its bare walls…it was burned down a few years ago. The enemy were on the opposite side of the river…not in very strong force. Our cannon opened on them & succeeded in driving them temporarily away. The hands went to work, under cover of the night…in the work of demolition…in the course of the night the Yankees turned the water out of the canal…& got in…using it as a rifle pit & opened fire…upon the men at work & succeeded in driving them away. The enemy were provided with some far shooting guns & worried us…about three men…were wounded. Several of the enemy…were killed & wounded. The canal afforded them an almost perfect protection…the expedition had proved a failure. It was determined…to return to Martinsburg…Genl. [Stonewall] Jackson will be a good deal put out by this result of his first expedition & as he is an eyetooth man, 'He'll never give it up'…I was glad to hear, my dear son,...that you all were pleased with Mr. Baker. Tell Mary she must make any arrangements, which will suit her about his board. I am willing to do anything in my power to provide the neighborhood with the services of a minister of Christ. Try to remember always my dear Bouton & Tom, what our savior said to "Martha"...'they that seek me early, shall find me'…may the blessed savior…work in your young & bring you to a knowledge of your own sinfulness...kind remembrances to Mr. Lawrence & all the servants…tell Mr. Lawrence I hope he will push all his work ahead vigorously…Thomas Marshall." Thomas Marshall (1836-1864) was the grand-son of Chief Justice John Marshall. He was volunteer aide de camp to Stonewall Jackson at First Bull Run and, at the time this letter was written, was part of Jackson's expedition to destroy Dam No. 5 on the Potomac River. Later he served as captain in the 7th Virginia Cavalry, was twice wounded during the war before being killed in action in 1864. His body is buried in Stonewall Cemetery, Winchester next to that of Col. Turner Ashby. Archival tape repaired fold split with minor soiling, else VG.
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