Holly, William H. (d. 1864) to Mary Ann Davis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02165.15 Author/Creator: Holly, William H. (d. 1864) Place Written: Lafayette, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 November 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.1 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written at Vermilion Bayou to a friend. Describes reading Mary's letters on the march, and the expansive plantation of a Rebel General "Moota" (perhaps General Alfred Mouton), commenting "you can imagine how things will look here in a day or two, not a fence will be left, nor hardly a building will be left to mark the spot..." Continues, empathizing with th Confederates--"I cannot blame them Rebels for holding out and fighting to the last extremity when I see such destruction taking place and I can imagine how I shall feel if my home should be stripped of everything." Describes the guerrilla tactics of Rebels hiding in the woods, and expresses hope that the siege of Charleston will destroy the origin of the rebellion. Continuing on a second sheet, describes his new situation in which he won't have to do duty, as he was called back to his Company. Mentions he would like to get a situation in the Corps de Afriques where he might get more respect than his current position.
William H. Holly was mustered into the "E" Co. CT 12th Infantry on 11/19/1861. He died a prisoner of war on 12/11/1864 at Salisbury, NC. N.B. Holly spells his name "Holley."
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