This 7 page letter in ink on brown Confederate paper was written by Medical Officer William J. Jones.  Jones writes in beautiful handwriting and in nice dark ink.  The content is excellent.  Starting the war as a 1st Sergeant he was quickly made Assistant Surgeon of the 51st Virginia and held at capacity throughout the war.  After the war he resumed study of medicine at the University of Virginia and graduated at the year of 1866.

·          “Orders were given to be in readiness to move at a moment’s notice and the men were reprised to leave
all superfluous baggage and their canteens in camp.  Such orders always give rise to various speculations;
some thought an attack from the enemy was expected, others that a retreat was anticipated and but few
knew in what direction a move was contemplated.” 

·         “But before the bright lamp of day had begun to appear a terrific volley of musketry on the extreme left of
our lines announced that Gordon’s Division had penetrated the enemy camp and were dealing death to many
 of those who fight for conquest.  This volley only by the prolonged and unanimous shout of our men which
testified that the works of the enemy were being charged.” 

·         “A hot and heavy fire of both musketry and artillery continued for several hours – the most terrific I have
ever heard – when the Yankees broke and run in great confusion leaving between 3 and 3,000 prisoners. 
18 pieces of artillery and all their camp equipage in our hands.” 

·         “Our victorious troops followed them about 5 miles, when they halted for what purpose I know not.  The
panic stricken Yankees rallied upon A Corps which had that morning been started from Winchester to
reinforce them and advanced upon us.  After a fight of about an hour our men retreated in considerable
disorder, leaving 27 pieces of artillery and a few medical wagons and ambulances unprotected which the
enemy took without much trouble.”

·         “…glorious victory is attributed to an unusual amount of straggling and the fact of having halted when the
victory ought to have been followed up; thus allowing the enemy time to rally – Leaving out the artillery our
 captured amount to much more than the Yankees took from us and their loss in killed and wounded is more
 than double ours.”

·         “….Whilst Genl. Sheridan claims a victory he will not soon recover from his frightful loss.  Such victories as
his are worse than defeats like Genl. Early’s – This army is very much dissatisfied with Genl. Early and until
a change in commanders is made you need not expect very much from the Valley.  Men may be ever so brave
but if they have lost confidence in their leader then will not fight Genl. Early is no doubt a brave man and a
good Division Commander but present operations in this valley prove him to be incapable of managing an
army.  Our success on the morning of the 19th is due to Maj. Genl. Gordon who was in command until after
the enemy had been routed.    Genl. Early nominally commands this army but personal observations justifies
one in believing that John Barleycorn (Whiskey) occupies a conspicuous portion on Juball’s staff.”

For the Confederate or medical letter collector, you won’t find a better written or condition letter! 

#CG137 - Price $695