In the book, Nothing But Glory, the author tells of the heroic exploits of the Virginia regiments involved in Pickett’s Charge. The letter we are offering was written by the man who led the 53rd Virginia in the charge. Rawley White Martin, who was Lt. Col. In the artillery duel, prior to the charge, Col. William Aylett had been wounded and this left Lt. Col. Martin in charge. IT WAS THE 53rd VIRGINIA WHOSE FLAG WAS CARRIED FARTHEST INTO THE ENEMIES LINES… and it was Martin at the head leading them. Martin was wounded severely as were the vast majority of the rest of the 53rd. The upper 3rd of his right thigh was fractured. He was wounded in the left leg, left thigh and left foot. He was captured and treated at the U.S. 2nd Division, 2nd Corps. hospital. Our letter is written from the “General Hospital, Gettysburg, Pa.,” where he was recuperating from his wounds and prior to his being sent to Point Lookout Prison.
Martin writes to his father on September 10, 1863 and discusses how his faith in God helped him survive and recover. Martin received excellent care at the Gettysburg Hospital and he states, “I want you all to know… I have so many good friends and they are so kind to me and among those friends, ladies who know how to take care of wounded Rebs!” “I receive any quantity of their nursing and care and upon the whole flatter myself that I am beginning to be a wounded lion that cannot move from his lair.”
· “They say I am a gritty fellow because in none of my manipulations of my leg dressings or anything I have complained.”
· “I was firm and decided and determined to let the enemy know that although my life was despaired of by the surgeons, I would be true to my God and my Country.”
· “Your letter was sent me from Johnson’s Island by Wyatt, who was there with H. L. Carter and several others of my officers. Wyatt and the other officers there express great gratification at my prospects for recovery and are very anxious to see me. I expect to be with them at Sandusky or Johnson’s Island in a short time.”
· “I am not able to walk yet on account of the tenderness of the left leg where it was shot. Some of my wounded comrades are going off this morning. I guess I shall see them again soon.”
· “My love to all at home, my dear Father and tell them to pray for me and for all and for the success of the Confederate cause, which is so near the hearts of us all.”
· “Oh my country, my country how I long to return.”
· “Send my letters underground to Miss. Mary A. Weimer care of Col. J. C. McConnel, No. 70 Lexington Street, Balto., MD.”
The letter is signed, “Your affectionate and devoted Son, R. W. Martin.” The letter is written in pencil and has some staining, as well as fold marks. The family placed a number 21 on the top of the letter – apparently to keep all of Rawley’s letters in order. Included with the letter are several articles about Martin. There are no “heroes” more popular in the annals of the Confederacy than the leaders who threw their lives down for their Country in the greatest charge ever made on U.S. soil. This is an amazingly historic letter, the only one we have ever seen from the man who led the famed 53rd.
#CG18 – Price $3,995
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