Smith, Asa (fl. 1862) to his mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03681.03 Author/Creator: Smith, Asa (fl. 1862) Place Written: Camp Hamilton near Newport News, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 March 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.9 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy
Continuation of his letter from GLC03861.02 - he numbers the pages 5-8. Goes on to describe the situation involving the Confederate attack near Newport News, as well as the action of the CSS "Merrimac" and USS "Monitor." Says the 20th and 99th New York infantry were sent to deal with a supposed Confederate attack near Newport News. Says "few eyes were closed that night as it was known that troops were advancing from Yorktown and a fight was expected in the morning, very little was said, but many an oath of revenge was registered." Says half the regiment wrote home last night because they thought they would be in a fight. Says they were relieved when they heard the USS "Monitor" arrived during the night. Describes the fight between the "Monitor" and "Merrimac." Reports that the "Monitor" could out sail the "Merrimac." After a 5 hour fight, the "Monitor" won and Smith claims that "If she [the "Monitor"] had not come just as she did, I have no doubt that we should have seen a Richmond prison by this time." Goes on to describes going on picket duty after the duel between the ships. Also describes the troop situation around Newport News.
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