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CSA Letter from a Soldier in the 20th North Carolina Infantry Before the Battle of Gettysburg. ...
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$2,500.00
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Description
CSA Letter from a Soldier in the 20th North Carolina Infantry Before the Battle of Gettysburg. Six pages of bifolia, 5" x 8", "Near Chambersburg, Penn"; June 25, 1863. Written just days before the Battle of Gettysburg, the unidentified soldier writes that they have arrived in Pennsylvania before describing their reception by native Pennsylvanians and their orders to refrain from pillaging the locals. The letter is addressed to the soldier's "Dear Pa" and is written in pencil. It reads in part:"I guess before this that you heard of our going into the U.S. We are all supprised [sic] to find ourselves in these parts without any information. The Richmond paper of the 17th inst greatly exaggerates our advance. We have accomplished a great deal it is true. I trust it is the greatest move ever accomplished. What Genl. Lee intends doing is entirely unknown to us...The people up here look particular sour, especially the ladies. Our army does not interfere with them...We can never treat them as they have treated some of our people. I believe it is right to invade but still it don't look right. I hope and believe that our army will make a better fight than before...Our cavalry are gathering in the Pennsylvania horses and cattle. Nothing in Maryland was touched...
We are faring splendid as well as the Yanks ever did. We expected to fight 3 times before we got here. We marched in line of battle at Berryville and Martinsburg, but the Yanks got fritten [sic] when they saw us. They formed a line of battle at the first place...The strictest order against individual plundering have been prohibited. I think it entirely right. To allow men to straggle and pillage [will] demoralize an army sooner than anything in the world. I was supprised [sic] to find such little enlightenment amongst the people of Penn. I have not met a single man who is more than ordinary...they are nearly frightened into fits. They all want to know if we intend to burn and destroy. I think we will make a favorable opinion. I hope we will carry peace with us." The last name of the signature is difficult to make out, but it appears to be signed by an "H. D. W..." A typed transcription accompanies the letter.
Condition: Toned with a few minor areas of soiling.
Auction Info
2022 June 4 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6247 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2022
4th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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