September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
A great war-date Confederate battle letter written 1st Sgt. Robert H. Reaves, Co. L, 21st South Carolina Vols., "Encampment 5 miles from Richmond, October 29, 1864" 2pp. 4to., reading, in part: "After three days and nights of tiresome riding we arrived at Richmond…we stayed at the depot…when we joined our regiment encamped on the Darbytown Road five miles from Richmond…on Thursday morning the enemy commenced firing on our pickets at first slowly but increasing in rapidity as the day advanced. Toward evening they commenced bearing down on our pickets in greater numbers and at last drove them in. they made a feeble attack on our breastworks, but were repulsed easily with some loss in killed and wounded. The sharpshooters kept firing all night…we expected our works to be attacked again Friday morning…we lost four or five in killed and wounded…we were lying at breastworks under the shelling. Yesterday evening long lines of glittering bayonets were visible moving toward our right…last night…[a] deserter came in saying that we would be attacked during the night…the fighting is about over for the fall though the enemy may make one more attack on our lines before they give it up…I don't think…I will draw an overcoat from the government, nor…any other clothing this winter…there will be some clothing given to the company because there are others worse off than I am. They will…have the preference…". The original postmarked 10 in a circle transmittal cover is included. VG.
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