Detailed handwritten letter written “Before Richmond Va Oct 9th 1864” on U.S. Sanitary Commission stationery by a Union soldier of the 24th Massachusetts Infantry, describing combat operations during the Petersburg–Richmond campaign. The writer recounts Confederate attacks involving Longstreet’s Corps and cavalry actions threatening the Union rear, noting the rapid movement of the 24th Massachusetts and the critical support of the 10th Connecticut in repelling advancing Confederate regiments. The narrative includes references to battlefield conditions, artillery abandonment in mud, and the intensity of flanking movements, providing a vivid firsthand account of late-war operations near Deep Bottom and the Richmond defenses. The letter retains its original cover addressed to A. H. Langer Jr., with period postal markings, and is accompanied by a modern annotated display sheet outlining the action and unit movements. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx Ground/Home Delivery within the continental U.S.: $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.
Good, with moderate toning, scattered staining, fold wear, and areas of fading affecting legibility; cover with edge wear and creasing.
The Estate of Professor Ronald H. Limbaugh (University of the Pacific) Director of the Holt-Atherton Pacific Center for Western Studies and Director of the John Muir Center for Regional Studies