This letter describes the Nickojack massacre that the 92^nd Illinois found itself involved in in April of 1864.  The 92^nd armed with Spencer rifles had the reputation of being one of the sharpest and most disciplined Union regiments.  Eight of their men were brutally shot by the officers under Confederate General Wheeler.  In this four page letter written in ink and with a full ID, Daniel Denure. Co A. 92^nd Regt. Illinois mounted Infantry tells of this horror. 

“There was 65 men went on picket, and there was 17 taken prisoner- eight shot after they was taken prisoner.  So you see, we have something to do.  It was horrible sight to see men killed because they could not get their clothes off quick enough for the hellhounds.  I don’t suppose you will believe this, but there was three that lived to tell the tale.  One in our company and one in Co. F one in Co. B. William Cattanach of B Company, he was shot in the back and the ball came out of his left breast, so when he breathes, his breath passes out of the ball hole.”

Denure enlisted on September 1862 and served his full three years of service.  The 92^nd in July of 1863 captured 1,700 horses and 800 Negros.  The Negros were mustered into a colored regiment and the 92^nd became a “mounted” regiment!  In September 1863, they lead the advance and drove the enemy from Lookout Mountain and they were the first to enter Chattanooga.  They were furiously attacked by Forrest by held him in check until Wilder and the rest of the brigade arrived.  A description of the Nickojack massacre like this letter relates is rarely encountered.  It is a graphic letter in very good condition. 

# L2 - Price $765