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Capt. William H. Murphy, Co. H, 109th Pennsylvania Vols. Letter Detailing the Fighting at Culp's Hill, Gettysburg July 2 & 3, 1863. 4 full pages, crisp unsmudged pencil script, folio, 4¾" x 8". Headed "Camp near Boonsboro, Md./ July 9th 1863". Incredibly graphic account, Murphy describes the fighting as it began at 4 A. M. on July 3, followed by eight hours of constant combat, "the fighting continued all that day, the cannonading was terrific and they were shelling us from all quarters". Murphy reports "They made 4 charges that night but were repulsed each time with great loss and they also found out it was the Lone Star Corps [referring to the 12th Corps star insignia) that had possession of them...the loss of life on their part was truly awful to witness....the ground was literally covered with them and most of them had been shot in the head...." Murphy also reports an incident involving a fellow soldier that clearly left a lasting impression, "One of our men was struck by a piece of shell who was sitting about 2 feet from me and it took the top of his head off and scattered brains over several of us that were sitting close to him." Murphy enlisted in the 109th Penna. March 10, 1862 and served with the regiment until muster out Jan. 13, 1865. Perfect condition complete with original envelope. A great Gettysburg letter containing a wealth of detailed information about the oft overlooked fighting at Culp's Hill.

Auction Info

Auction Dates
June, 2009
25th Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 15
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,429

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.

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Sold on Jun 25, 2009 for: $3,107.00
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