703. WOUNDED UNION SOLDIER ON THE FALL OF PETERSBURG A good war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written on US Christian Commission letter head, in pencil by Adjutant Henry L. Swords, Co. D, 59th Mass. Vols., Hospital 1st Division 9th Corps, City Point Va., Sept 1st '64 to his mother referring to his wound received at the battle of North Anna, Va. May 24, 1864, and fighting to capture the Weldon Railroad. In part: "...I am in hospital again, not upon my wounds...since being on the Staff, I have had to be up all night...I am as weak as a child. Have got a bad diarrhea...my leg is...well again. I...had no idea I should be reported as wounded in the papers... Adjt. [Horace M.] Warren's body [MWIA battle of Weldon RR, Va., Aug. 19, 64] has been sent home...Maj. [Joseph] Colburn [WIA Petersburg 6/17/64] is better, and gone back to the regiment...we shall have more fighting for the Weldon RR, soon. They the Johnny's are bound to take it if they can. Has Little Mac been nominated for the Presidency, and how is the draft coming on; Ask Johnny what I...have pay for a good horse, as I shall have to buy one..." Negligible tape repairs. Swords enlisted in 1862 as a private in the 36th Mass. He was mustered in to the 59th Mass. as lieutenant in 1863 and was wounded at the battle of North Anna River, May 24, 1864, and was captured during the battle of Fort Stedman March 25, 1865. At the close of the war, he was transferred into the 57th Mass. before being discharged. Very good. $150-200