Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.14 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Warrenton, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 October 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.1. x 24.6 cm. Order a Copy
Describes leaving Rappahannock and having the rebels close on their heels. Says that the rebels continued to follow them until they crossed the river. Writes that they were not able to cross back over the river until the next evening. They sent the cavalry out and were able to chase the rebels back to Culpepper and "made them skedaddle for dear life." Afterwards, they crossed the river again and continued their march to Fairfax, Virginia. The rebels followed closely behind them up to Bull Run. The rebels managed to plant a battery half a mile from them without being discovered and proceeded to throw "solid shot shell, spherical case." Says that they left as quickly as possible but not before the rebels killed and wounded about a dozen of their men. Comments about them having the poorest shooting, and believes that they should have been able to kill half of their division with the position they had. Writes that General Robert E. Lee arrived at Bull Run about half an hour after they left. Says that if Lee had arrived at Bull Run before they had that there would have been another Bull Run disaster.
Diton Phelps enlisted as a private on 15 May 1861. He mustered into "F" Co. PA 35th Infantry. He was mustered out on 11 June 1864 at Harrisburg, PA.
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