(CIVIL WAR ILLINOIS) Vail Joseph R A junior officer in the

Sale 2310 - Lot 104

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Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900

"THOUSANDS OF MEN IN AGONY CRY ALOUD NIGHT AND DAY ALL AROUND THEM FOR HELP" (CIVIL WAR--ILLINOIS.) Vail, Joseph R. A junior officer in the 47th Illinois discusses battles at Corinth and Vicksburg. 17 Autograph Letters Signed to father John V. Vail of Henry City, IL, plus an essay written in the margins of a military form while stalled on a transport near Vicksburg circa May 1864; various sizes and conditions, mostly written in a clean legible hand. Vp, 1862-64

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Joseph R. Vail of Marshall County, IL enlisted in the 47th Illinois Infantry as a corporal, and eventually became the regiment's adjutant before his 1864 discharge. They fought at Corinth, Vicksburg, and Lake Chicot, AR, all discussed in these letters. Writing six days after Corinth, he was impressed with the Confederates: "Their energy and determination, even among the privates, is worthy of emulation in a better cause." He was less impressed with his own army's chaplains: "Laying around hotels smoking cigars, or in the shade sipping wine, when thousands of men in agony cry aloud night and day all around them for help, a little care, a drink of water! God pity them" (10 October 1862). His regiment fought valiantly in the failed assault on Vicksburg: "Generals & all who witnessed the charge of the 11th & 47th call it magnificent, gloriously done, but that is poor remuneration to our poor fellows who have lost legs & arms by the move" (23 May 1863). The regiment also played a central role in the small Battle of Lake Chicot: "The fire was terrible for nearly two hours, but there was no flinching, no attempt to retreat from that close range shower of grape, shell and canister" (11 June 1864). In addition to the discussions of combat, Vail also offers strong opinions about military politics, from the regimental level up through the highest ranks. He hopes General Banks is named Secretary of War--"Put him anywhere but in the field" (2 May 1864).