Birney, David Bell (1825-1864) to Gross
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02630.01 Author/Creator: Birney, David Bell (1825-1864) Place Written: Falmouth, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: December 19, 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24 x 20 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 21.1 x 15.3 cm Order a Copy
Discussing the "terrible battle" of Fredericksburg, which had occurred six days earlier. States that "Our troops behaved well." Also "My old Division true to prestige drove back the enemy and retook the lost ground & held it under Artillery & rifles." Encloses a map (GLC02630.02) of the battle. Reports his "loss was 982 kill & missing," and has now returned to "same camps" as before the battle. Wishes to know if the division he now commands "Sustained Chantilly reputation." This refers to Chantilly, the last battle the division fought under its previous commander, General Kearny. Signed in initials. Written at "Camp Pitcher." Addressed to "Dear Gross." One black and white bust engraving of David B. Birney included.
Camp Pitcher Dec 29. 1862.
Dear Gross
You have heard of our terrible battle. Our troops behaved well. My old Division true to prestige drove back the enemy and retook the lost ground & held it under Artillery & rifles until ordered to recross.
I send you a Map to show you the position of affairs, it is taken by my engineer officer. I will write you hereafter at length.
What is the impressions as to the Division? Do our friends think it Sustained Chantilly reputation. My loss was 982 kill & missing.
We are all in Status quo ante bellum, in same camps
Yours truly.
D. B. B.
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