May 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, May 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/26/2022
Lot of five Civil War letters and CDV of Henry L. Bailey of the hard-fighting 14th Connecticut Infantry, Co. G. Bailey writes to his parents in these five letters, with exceptional content in one letter on the Battle of Morton's Ford, where the 14th Connecticut lost nearly 100 in killed and wounded. Dated 8 February 1864, two days after the battle, letter reads in part,
''...Last Saturday morning about five o'clock we received orders to be ready to move with everything packed at seven. The 3 Division of the 2nd Corps crossed the Rapidan at Morton's Ford, the First Brigade crossed first and we followed them wading the river, the water being only about up to our hips. The First Brigade skirmished with the enemy until about four in the afternoon when the Rebs found out where we were and commenced shelling us but a little hill saved us from all harm.
About 1/2 past four the Rebs drove our men in and the 31st New York regiment was ordered out to the front but in marching over the brow of a little hill the rebs gave them a volley of balls and they broke & run. The Gen then called for a regiment from the 2nd Brigade and the 14th Conn was the one. We fell in line and started marching over the 12th New Jersey which lay in front and mounted the hill. The regiment marched as though they were out on drill.
The Rebs all the while sending the balls whistling about our ears like hail stones. We suposed we were to advance in line of battle, but after getting over the hill the colors were ordered back and we to deploy as skirmishers...pitched into the Johnies in fine stile driving them back about 1/2 or 3/4 of a mile capturing a house & barn and driving the enemy out of a good Brestwork when we captured the house. It was dark and the fighting ceased for the night.
Part of the regt was posted on picket and the remainder hunted up & carried off the dead & wounded about 9. The troops began to draw across the river. Our regiment left about 11, they covering the retreat after crossing back. We were sent out on picket and the next day we lay near the river and on Sunday night sent out on picket agen. The remainder of the troops returning to their camps today (Monday).
We were relieved about 10 AM and came to camp. The regt lost in killed wounded & missing about 1/2 their number. Co G. suffering the least of any one in the regimen, none of the old men being touched and no one killed at all.
I got a ball in my haversack which made the tin ware rattle nicely. It smashed a tin box, bent my spoon, and smashed my plate, but was not going swift enough to go through my portfolio. It it had not been for the haversack, I should have got a nice little mark on my hip but as is, I am clear hide whole.
We had only four killed in the whole scrape most of the men being wounded only slightly. General Hays came up to us when we were up to the house and wanted us to charge around the house when the rebs were on one side and we on the other. The boys told him they were afraid they were not strong enough to drive them away but says the Gen, try them boys try them, and we did and drove them, capturing seven prisoners. Hays says that if he had a division of men like the 14th he could march to Richmond in spite of the Rebs. The regiment has the biggest name of any in the brigade and for that reason they are shoved through. If there is a post of trust they are put on it for they can be depended upon. If they are put anywhere there they are to be found when they are wanted...''
Lot includes four other letters, three with covers, in addition to Bailey's CDV, and a copy of another photo of Bailey and his wife. Lot also includes a period pamphlet of the ''Scranton Guard'', listing the names of the soldiers in the 14th Connecticut, along with their rank and hometown; Bailey is listed as a Private from Madison. Morton's Ford letter is separated along folds but with no loss. Overall very good condition, with very legible writing in pen. With near full transcriptions.
Lot of 5 Civil War Letters & CDV of 14th Connecticut Infantryman -- With Detailed, Lengthy Letter on Battle of Morton's Ford: ''...The regt lost in killed wounded & missing about 1/2 their number...''
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