(CIVIL WAR MAINE) Libby James W Letters from a corporal in

Sale 2344 - Lot 90

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Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750

"IT WAS AWFUL TO HEAR THE POORE WRETCHES SHREAK AND GROAN" (CIVIL WAR--MAINE.) Libby, James W. Letters from a corporal in the 7th Maine on the Peninsular Campaign. 11 Autograph Letters Signed to cousin Clara Knowlton of North Leeds, ME, one on patriotic letterhead; some separations at folds, a few letters faded. Vp, December 1861 to August 1863

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James Westley Libby (1840-1912) was a native of Leeds, ME, and enlisted in the 7th Maine Infantry, which served in the Army of the Potomac. The best of these letters are from the Peninsular Campaign in 1862. In the siege of Yorktown, "the adjutant came to me and gave me the colors of the regt, said that the man that had carried them was not made of good stuff. I told him I did not think I had courage enough. He said all he wanted was to do as well as I had in this engagement. I excepted the flagg with cheers from the Co." (14 April 1862). As the massive force waited outside of Yorktown, Libby wondered: "There is a great force here, don't know what they are waiting for. I heard the Genl. say that McClellan would not rush the men into another Bull Run" (14 April 1862). After the Battle of Williamsburg, "we stoped until the 7th to bury the dead and take care of wounded. It was awful to hear the poore wretches shreak and groan while the surgeons were dressing their wounds. They can't stand pain like us Yankeys" (11 May 1862). Even after the retreat from Richmond, Libby thought the troops "have confidence in McClellan and his plans. Every time he appears he is greeted with cheers from the men. His H Quarters are about two miles from here" (16 July 1862). with--17 letters to Clara Knowlton from other friends and family members, 1855-63; 8 possibly unrelated letters and documents, 1850-79; and a collection of war-era stamped covers.