Col. Charles H. T. Collis, Commander of the 114th Penna. Inf. Collis' Zouaves, is the Author of this Remarkable Civil War Patr...

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Col. Charles H. T. Collis, Commander of the 114th Penna. Inf. Collis' Zouaves, is the Author of this Remarkable Civil War Patriotic Exhortation. 8" X 13" ALS, front and back, headed "Williamsport, Md. May 28th, 1864", and signed "Your loving commander Charles H. T. Collis", written to his troops immediately after the Federal defeat at 1st Winchester on May 25th. Entirely in his hand. This was during the period that the unit saw service as an independent company of Zouaves d'Afrique, and prior to the actually organization of the 114th Regt. Zouaves. "You have, during the past few days, passed through trials which I could not have thought human nature capable of enduring. Overpowered in battle by thousands...you were cool, obedient and brave...I cannot tell you how my heart overflows with gratitude...You felt that beyond the Rebels' bayonets lay your peaceful homes he threatened to destroy... You have made a name let it never be tarnished....Those of our comrades who, unhappily, we have lost are dead only to the world, they will live forever in the memories of us who have survived" are just examples of the flowery, moving language expressed by Collis clearly in response to the gallant but hopeless conduct of his command at Winchester. Perfect bright crisp condition, archivally mounted (double sided) and presented in a period walnut frame. Completely unknown/ unpublished and a remarkable document adding a new chapter to the gallant history of the 114th Penna.