[Civil War]. Joseph Lafuira Autograph Letter Signed....

Description

He begins by apologizing for not answering Griswold's letter earlier, but he "was detained from a Curiosity to Know the result of an expedition that was about leaving here at the time of the Arrival of your letter, & I am happy to say that the result has been a glorious one on our side. The Expedition was Commanded by General [Benjamin] Butler & Commodore [Silas] Stringham, & with the loss of one man (as reported) captured 715 Prisoners. 31 Pieces of Artillery 75 Kegs of Powder 1000 Stand of Muskets 45 Stand of Colors and are all at present in safe Keeping within the Walls of Old Port Comfort (Fort Monroe)."

"Everyone can now see what a different tale could be told of the Bethel affair if we had the counsel and plan of attack of our friend [Troy, New York native General John E. Wool]." Lafuira is referring to the Battle of Big Bethel which occurred in June and resulted in a Confederate victory. Of General Wool he says: "My Dear Sir Words are inadequate to convey the feelings of respect & veneration in which he is held by Every Soldier...and by none more so than the Officers and Men of the Unfortunate Troy Regt and my opinion leads me to think from the present aspect of Affairs in the Regt that a few Months will obliterate the Stigma brought upon by Unprincipled ruffians, & would have realized the consequences attendant on such a proceeding...I am confident...had I been with my Company 2 weeks sooner that not One Man of the Number would have revolted." It is probable that the "revolt" he mentions was due to the expiration of the three month enlistment period. Soldiers would often abandon their posts regardless of conditions on the battlefield.