Stephens, Ashbury L., 1843-? to Hat
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04498.07 Author/Creator: Stephens, Ashbury L., 1843-? Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 May 1865 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 24.5 cm, Width: 19.5 cm Order a Copy
Recounts meeting "Majors Burnham and Merriman on board the boat" at Fort Monroe. Describes war torn Petersburg, noting that "almost every house shows the marks of our Shells." Explains that the troops were weary from travelling 165 miles in six days, so they would take it slow on their way to Richmond. In reference to General Sherman, he boasts that "if 'old crazy Bill and his Bummers' had been here Petersburg would have been taken long ago." Comments on the troops' excitement about the upcoming muster and their support of Sherman. Indicates he will write again from Richmond. I note on the side states that he was sending a flower (not included) he picked where the Union "undermined the Rebel fort and blew it up," referencing the July 1864 Battle of the Crater.
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