May 2015 Auction Ends Thursday, May 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2015
Emanuel J. Froelich of the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry here writes from ''the Rear near Petersburg, V June / 25 / 1864''. Letter from the second week of the Siege of Petersburg reads in part, ''Dear Father...they still keep us near to the front we have some fighting here every day and some hard fighting. I have been in five battles already and hard battles we came in the rear a few days ago and yesterday morning the artillery opened fire when the Rebs made a change and our men shot a volley into them they threw down their arms and came to our side after they threw down their arms our men would not fire into them, there were about 600 of them that came over and they feel so glad when they are on our side as soon as they are in our lines they run like everything to the rear so their men cannot get them the other day we caught 19 when one of them said go on boys you can take them all and I thank you for your kindness the 600 prisoners reported that there was 1 Brigade going to come over in a day or two they say that they are tired of it and want an end, every day there are some deserting from there side...I wish I could be at home to help you to make your hay and harvest now...Father the war must soon come to a close for if we do not whip them this summer we must give them their Independence we expected to get pay...Emanuel J. Froelich...'' Letter runs 4pp. on a single sheet of card-style stationery and measures 5'' x 8''. Toning and creasing, else near fine.
55th PA Infantry Soldier During the Civil War's Siege of Petersburg -- ''...the artillery opened fire when the Rebs made a change and our men shot a volley into them...''
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