Sep 27, 2018 - Sale 2486

Sale 2486 - Lot 259

Price Realized: $ 1,500
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
(CIVIL WAR--MAINE.) Leppien, George F. Report on the battles of Rappahannock Station and Second Bull Run. Autograph Letter Signed as captain of the 5th Battery, 1st Maine Light Artillery to an unidentified major. 9 manuscript pages, 12 1/4 x 8 inches, stitched with ribbon; minor wear, folds. "Camp in Gales Woods," Washington, DC, 8 October 1862

Additional Details

George Francis Leppien (1836-1863) wrote this apparently unpublished report on his battery's actions during the eventful period from 20 August to 2 September 1862. Most of 3 pages are devoted to the First Battle of Rappahannock Station, 22-23 August, with excellent detail: "Immediately after the withdrawal of the last troops from the south bank of the river, several regiments of the ennemy marched by the flank to the left and front of the bridge; the left section opened fire with spherical case shot, with visible effect, the ennemy seeking cover by lying on the ground. . . . Maj. Gen. McDowell appeared in the battery, wishing a fire to be built on the bridge . . . I proceeded to the bridge, collecting a number of men provided with dry planks, went to the south bank and built three fires."
His description of the Second Battle of Bull Run (28-30 August) is partly based on his lieutenant's account, as "it became impossible for me to remain in the saddle, on account of a local affliction." He writes that on the 30th, his battery "moved to the left and front, passing the battery on the left and advancing about 200 yds at a gallop into position, and opened with canister upon the ennemy then about 400 yds from the battery firing and advancing. The movements of the battery under a severe fire, our infantry retreating partly broken, the above-mentioned battery . . . were somewhat impeded and confused. The position was held about 10 minutes, the ennemy in front then advancing at double quick time. . . . A field officer of the advancing ennemy passed into the battery making a sabre cut at a cannoneer and then at a driver. It became impossible to limber up the guns, the majority of horses being disabled, the infantry supports being driven far to the rear, and four of my pieces had to be abandoned." Captain Leppien had a very distinguished service record including Fredericksburg. A few months later, he was mortally wounded at Chancellorsville while attempting to hold the line against a Confederate charge, and was brevetted as a lieutenant colonel.