Civil War Soldier's Letter by Luther Benson of the 8th New York Heavy Artillery with Battle of Hatcher's Run Content....

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Civil War Soldier's Letter by Luther Benson of the 8th New York Heavy Artillery with Battle of Hatcher's Run Content. Four pages of a bifolium, 8 x 12 1/2 inches, "Hatcher's run," Virginia; February 23, [1865; misdated "1864"]. In this letter to his brother Jesse, Luther Benson gives a detailed first-hand account of the Battle of Hatcher's Run (Dabney's Mill), fought February 5-7, 1865, one of the final engagements in the Union drive to extend its siege lines around Petersburg. Written only weeks before the Confederate collapse, Benson's letter reflects the soldiers' mounting sense that victory was within reach.

He begins with a vivid description of the three-day battle and his regiment's position under fire: "...well Jesse you wanted to know if i was in the last fight...there was fighting all around us we advanced the fith of February and drove in the pickets and still drove them about ten oclock we built breastworks and about two oclock the Rebs began to shell us they kept it up untill nearly dark and then they advanced on hour right flank and made three charges and was driven back each time there was some stray balls came in amongst us hour Bridger [Brigadier] was wounded and one of his aids and some privates the next night they ataced us on the left flank and in the rear which made it rather gloomy they was within 20 rods of us at one time but the old Six Corps came up just in time to save us from Richmond they lost very heavily hour loss was not so great as theirs...my regiment was very lucky in the fight...all of us will get enough of fighten before it is through with...Charleston is hours...the Rebs is evacuating Petersburg..."

Before closing, Benson cautions his family against joining the army, convinced that the war's end is near: "You sayed that you should clear $5.00 this winter that is better than to enlist for $677 and shot at...Jess if James is drafted tell him not to come he might better pay out a litty money than to come down here..."

With original transmittal cover.

Condition: Lightly toned with smoothed folds. A few light stains and small separations, not affecting text. Minor ink smudges on pages two and three, not affecting legibility.