Description:

EDMUND W. PETTUS
(1821-1907) Confederate brigadier general commander of infantry, captured multiple times, later a U.S. Senator for Alabama and member of the Ku Klux Klan. Superb content, late war-date A.L.S. as brigadier general, 5pp. 8vo., Raleigh, NC, in pencil to A.A.G. Maj. I.J.[?] Reeve. Pettus reports in detail on his actions at the Battle of Bentonville, Mar. 19-21, 1865, the last decisive battle between Sherman and Johnston. In small part: '...As ordered, I forward a report of action of my Brigade in the battle of the 19th ult. near Bentonville. The Division was formed in two lines...I was ordered...to follow the movements of Palmer's Brigade, keeping my command about 300 yards in his rear...Palmer's Brigade immediately moved forward and my command followed...The front line drove the enemy from two extended lines, & was still moving forward when I received orders...to move my Brigade by the left flank forward so as to cover the main road...the ground...was marshy and covered with undergrowth...I had to move slowly...After advancing about 400 yards past the enemy's second line the firing became very rapid...on my left flank...there were no troops connecting with my line on the left...I sent...30th Ala. Regt. with about 50 men of his command to deploy as skirmishers and cover that flank...stragglers moving rapidly to the rear...the enemy was driven back by troops on my left. My line was again formed across the road, & moved forward, covered by the skirmishers...Maj. Genl. Hill...rode up to my line and informed me the enemy were advancing in force...[I] prepare[d] to receive the charge...My men were ordered to lay down in their places...it was difficult to see objects at distance...the enemy very soon fired upon & drove my skirmishers, following them closely...They were met, however, by a fire from the line...They bolted and after recovering [fired] a few rounds retreated. An order to cease firing was given...The Brigade remained in this position until after 11 o'clock that night when it returned...Col. J. B. Bibb 23d Ala. Regt. acted with remarkable coolness and gallantry...St.[?] Pettus, my Aid de Camp, a modest brave young officer was killed...The officers & men acted well. They never faltered. There were no stragglers...' Moderately toned, a few words difficult to read, but overall very good.

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April 1, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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