February 2017 Auction Ends Thursday, February 23rd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
Civil War letter by William P.C. Thomas of the 14th Virginia Infantry, Co. C. Datelined 5 April 1863 from ''Camp Near Ivar Station'', Thomas writes to his sister: ''...I have been down to Yankeedom. Last Thursday evening we started under command of Major Dearing. He had along with him six companies of our regiment, two pieces of artillery, and about fifty cavalry. We went within seven miles of Suffolk, burnt a good deal of valuable lumber & captured five Yankees...a squad of cavalry had been sent out to build a bridge and they were boating some timber down the stream for that purpose when they were battled by our cavalry and made to surrender. They were indeed very much surprised to see our men...We went away 'round to the rear of the Yankees. Had they have known that we were down there, they could have taken us without any trouble. I felt very skittish I assure you. Though I thought I would not object a great deal to be taken prisoner, I might have had a pleasant trip down by Suffolk to Fortress Monroe...We have lost another member of our company. His name was Alvis. He was a good fellow, died very unexpectedly of brain fever. He was complaining for about thirty six hours. His brother received a furlough of seven days and took the corpse home for internment. The smallpox has broken out in our brigade. There are three cases of it. Two in the guard house among the prisoners and one in the 57th VA Regiment. I do not fear it much, do not feel like it will hurt me very much if were to take it, but I shall try to avoid it as long as possible...'' Ironically, Thomas would die of disease in September 1864. Letter comes with original cover, signed by Thomas. Very good. With a transcription of the letter.
Civil War Letter by 14th Virginia Infantryman -- ''...been down to Yankeedom...burnt a good deal of valuable lumber & captured five Yankees...They were indeed very much surprised to see our men...''
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