(CIVIL WAR MASSACHUSETTS) [Whitney William H] Long descript

Sale 2324 - Lot 131

Price Realized: $ 594

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 250 - $ 350

(CIVIL WAR--MASSACHUSETTS.) [Whitney, William H.] Long description of the Battle of Fort Bisland in Louisiana. Autograph Letter Signed as 'Will' and 'WHW' to mother. 12 pages on 3 sheets, illustrated with small map of Bayou Teche; minor wear and foxing. Opelousas, LA, April [1863?]

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William H. Whitney (1843-1909) had just been promoted to second lieutenant in the 38th Massachusetts Infantry, which had been dispatched to Louisiana to press toward Port Hudson. In this letter Whitney describes his regiment's first combat in great detail, with this description of his commanding officer's cowardice standing out: 'Capt. Smith had concluded he would not advance any further and had taken his position flat on his face in a ditch way back in the rear. We had no orders to halt or lay down and there was no one to give them except myself.'