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Arts & Autographes

Réf : 32640 HISTOIRE

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GUERRE DE SÉCESSION AMÉRICAINE. CIVIL WAR.

UNION SOLDIER’S LETTER ON PATRIOTIC LETTERHEAD

Lettre autographe signée d’un soldat de l’Union. Bâton-Rouge, Louisiane, 26 juillet 1862 ; 4 pages in-4°, en anglais, fentes. En-tête patriotique illustré. Le soldat qui signe ici « George » écrit à sa famille sur une jolie lettre illustrée aux effigies des officiers de son régiment, le 6e régiment d’infanterie du Michigan. « Since I wrote last we have made quite an expedition into the enemies [sic] country. Companies C. E. & B. of our Regt. one battery of artillery, two pieces and a squadron of cavalry and one company from the 14th Maine Regt. constitute our force. We left camp […] to be stationed at a ford of the [illeg] river about 18 miles from this place. » George donne des détails de la vie au camp et sur sa santé puis il continue : « Just after daylight the cavalry which was in advance came in sight of the enemies pickets stationed on the opposite side of the river. They immediately dashed down to the waters edge receiving their fire without any injury except the loss of two of their horses. They returned the fire with their revolvers and as soon as they know their infantry was near enough to support them they crossed the river in pursuit of the retreating rebels. […] Everyone was anxious to get a shot at a rebel and for a time fatigue and hunger were forgotten. » George se plaint à nouveau de sa fatigue et conclut : « Lieutenant Lawler of Co. Band and one or two others allowed their valor to get the best of their discretion so much as to venture on ahead […] they were fired upon by rebels who were secreted in a house. One man had his horse shot and killed and was himself slightly wounded while Lieut. Lawler had his neck slightly grazed by a bullet. Our men returned the fire […]. The forces who have been to Vicksburg are now returning and I think they have been unsuccessful. »