WE SHALL SMOKE THEM OUT OF THAT HOLE RICHMOND (CIVIL WAR) AD

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"WE SHALL SMOKE THEM OUT OF THAT HOLE, RICHMOND" (CIVIL WAR.) ADELBERT AMES. Autograph Letter Signed, "AAmes," to "My dear Mr. French," explaining that the "contraband" information in French's letter is widely known, describing the strategy of the Army of the Potomac, adding his opinions about how to prosecute the war, and in a postscript, additionally Signed, "A," sending regards to Mrs. H. and stating "I don't expect another star but I do know the difference between the hum of a bee and the whistle of a bullet." 4 pages, 8vo, written on a folded sheet; closing and postscript written vertically across date in upper margin, two short closed tears at outer edges, folds. Folly Island, SC, 7 October 1863

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". . . The news in your last which you considered 'contraband' is known by everybody here. The officers and in fact the newspapers have bought the same information. . . .

"Let me express an opinion about our 'strategy.' Its object evidently is to open communications between east Tennessee and the coast . . . and by this step occupy North Carolina, if it is half as loyal as it is represented to be. Thus Virginia will [be] isolated, separated entirely from the rest of Rebeldom. . . . Finally we shall smoke them out of that hole, Richmond, from which we have failed to drive them. And . . . when Richmond falls the 'Confed.' is knocked higher than a kite.

"It has been my fancy (perhaps because of my love of the Army of the Potomac and desire that it may win glory) that the A. of P. should be increased or reinforced and then take Richmond.

"If Rosecrantz [sic] is only reinforced by the scattering troops in his department and one corps . . . I think he will not be able to accomplish all that may be required of him. [This is] Because Bragg will be increased by Johnson's forces, the troops at Charleston & Savannah and Lee's whole army.

"Even with the A. of P. before it and pressing towards Richmond, Longstreet was sent to oppose Rosecrantz--what will they not do when Meade is weakened and acting on the defensive.

"If the fight is to be in Georgia or that vicinity, I say send them a large part of Grant's army and at least two more."

From the Collection of William Wheeler III.