Description:

Fine content war-date A.L.S., 6pp. 8vo., Baltimore, July 11, 1862, from Eldridge Franklin of the 5th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company "C", to his father. Franklin writes from a military hospital, where he lies recovering from wounds received during the Battle of Seven Pines on May 31. He describes his fine treatment and comfort during his recovery, and goes on to praise the conduct of his regiment during the battle, in part: "...In all the journals I see [Brig. Gen. Philip] Kearny's Division praised for their bravery. It is called 'the fighting division'. Kearny himself is a very brave man. I saw him both at Williamsburg & at Fair Oaks [Seven Pines] under fire. It is a very remarkable thing that he has not been killed. Of how the 5th Regt. faught it is not necessary to enquire. They fought I will warrant till the enemy were defeated or they were ordered to fall back. The Regt. could not have numbered 400 men at the time of the recent battles. The Regt. has over 200 men in hospitals that were wounded at Williamsburg & Fair Oaks most of these will return to the Regt. in time. It must also have a large number of sick. I cannot help but think that the repulse of our army might have been avoided. [Maj. Gen. George] McClellan I think was too slow. Had he marched directly on Richmond after the battle of Williamsburg, when we equaled or outnumbered them, Richmond would undoubtedly have fallen in our hands. I have been bothered and stopped repeatedly while writing this letter by visitors - ladies. We are very glad to have them come & see us because, first they are the most refined & intelligent ladies of the City, 2nd They are tastefully dressed & are generally good looking, 3rd They are many of them young and I suppose unmarried, lastly & best of all, They are sure to bring us some nice cakes, oranges, etc... One nice young miss with red hair from Cleveland Ohio stopped my writing full 15 minutes. As you probably suppose it did not displease me any. She was not in the ward over 25 minutes, & I think I know her reason for talking so long with me - you see I am the only red-headed man in the room. The first time my red hair benefitted me... [all sic]" Franklin signs at the conclusion in black ink. Also present is Franklin's previous letter to his father, 4pp. 4to., Baltimore, June 21, 1862, describing his methods of writing while wounded and relating news of another friend from his unit, who was not wounded but is sick with "...The Diarea... [sic]" Both letters show original mailing folds, with the second letter retaining its original transmittal envelope. Very good. Two pieces.

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July 31, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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