Description:

"MUD MARCH" LETTER
Pair of Union soldier's letters written by Pvt. David F. Ferris, Co. E, 44th New York ("Ellsworth Avengers"),[KIA at Gravelly Run, Va., 3/31/65], Camp near Fredericksburg, Jan. 24, 1862. In part: "…I will tell you how our Artillery got served. Day before yesterday by great perseverance our artillery continued to advance through very slow indeed; but that night it was stuck entirely, after great sacrifice of artillery wagons and horse flesh. One Artillery man said that 47 of their horses died just beyond where we lay in camp. It was where they had halted for the night...I expect some of the northern papers will pitch into Burnside again for not being successful in this attempt against the Rebels, and thus try and make the dissatisfaction no existing still greater. If Burnside is again blamed he will be again blamed without cause. This time Burnside had to let the good weather of the last two weeks run to waste while he had to consult with the authorities at Washington. I do not think this is right if Burnside is to command the army I say let him strike a blow when he sees an opportunity without waiting to consult superiors in Washington, and thus gain nothing, if not lose much...". With partial post-Chancellorsville campaign letter, Bank's Ford, May 30, 1863, in part: "…we were ordered to guard the Fords on the Rappahannock. This precaution seemed necessary on account of offensive demonstrations of the Rebs on the other side of the river. The river is now so low that fording by the different Fords is easy. Our Reg't is holding Bank's Ford...We have one battery of Artillery (of 8 guns) to help hold the Ford in case the Rebs undertake to cross...The Rebs were...undoubtedly expecting an attack before morning...a force of about two Regt's...but as soon as they could see what was going on upon this side they left their works all but a guard & took things more cooly...Some things would indicate that the Enemy were about trying to cross the river in force, for the purpose of attacking Gen. Hooker...I think it would be the delight of Hooker to have them do so...I think many who now look upon the battle of Chancellorsville as a defeat will feel much better after reading the official report..."'. Very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

September 9, 2014 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $3,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000