Farmer, George E. (fl. 1865) to Maggie
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00808.02 Author/Creator: Farmer, George E. (fl. 1865) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 April 1865 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20 x 13 cm Order a Copy
Gives a day by day account of the movements and engagements of his regiment during the Appomattox campaign. Reports that they left Petersburg on 29 March, camped at Dinwiddie Courthouse, and fought a skirmish at Hatcher's Run. After fighting all day on the 30th, they were attacked in strong force on the 31st. States that they fought in the Battle at Five Forks on the first of April and briefly describes the battle. Says they skirmished near Amelia Courthouse on 4 April, then marched 25 miles to Jetersville. Reports fighting at Deatonsville on 6 April and describes capturing all the general officers, the artillery, and 40 battle flags from the Confederates. Calls it "one of the grandest charges of the war." Recounts capturing five railroad trains, five or six batteries of artillery, and three miles of wagon trains on 8 April. Indicates that the 9th of April was the last fight and the end of the war. Ponders on what lies ahead now that the war is over. Notes that most believe the army will be reorganized. Maggie is possibly his sister.
Farmer was a Union soldier. General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia at the Appomattox Courthouse on 9 April 1865.
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