This 8 page letter in beautiful blue ink was written by Wellood Gillespie in Company G of the 8^th Pennsylvania Cavalry.  Gillespie enlisted with his friend, Charles R. Smith, in March of 1864.  In our letter dated July 16, 1864, Gillespie describes his friend being shot and killed instantly.  This is an amazing graphic letter, and for the Pennsylvania Cavalry collector or the collector of amazing firsthand accounts, this letter is a prize! 

Here is just some of the great content:

·         “Soon we heard the report of artillery.  We then made up our minds for a good fight soon,
for we had no rear.  We had to fight if we found them in force or all be taken prisoners.”

·         “…We came within about two miles of the Virginia Central Railroad.  Here we found the Rebs
in larger force.  Our regiment and many more were ordered to dismount from their horses and
advance as skirmishers.  After advancing the skirmish line a short distance the order was to
lay down and wait for the sound of the bugle when every man was to make a charge and take
the railroad and hold it.”

·         “Charlie said to one of the boys next to him, I don’t know if I can make it or not but I will try. 
The bugle sounded and those were the last words he was here to say.  Charlie got within about
40 steps of the road and fell dead.  One of the sergeants was next to him and he told me that he
jumped about three feet and fell.  He went to him and said Charlie, Charlie, but life was gone…  
The ball…came out below the last rib on the right side passing through his heart.”

·         “…While I was having the grave dug the Rebs commenced shelling us on the flank.  The shells
passing just above our heads which compelled us to get out of range.  As soon as they had
changed direction of their firing I returned and found that there were several more digging
at the same grave with the intention of burying more than him. …I put up a board to his grave
with his name, company and regiment with the letters cut on.  So his grave can be found at
anytime.”

The letter is in excellent condition with only minor age staining and has a great look to it!  

#S40 - Price $695

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