French, William Henry (1815-1881) to Israel B. Richardson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08986 Author/Creator: French, William Henry (1815-1881) Place Written: Fair Oaks, Virginia Type: Manuscript letter Date: 3 June 1862 Pagination: 5 p. ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Copy of a letter reporting on the Battle of Seven Pines, or Fair Oaks. "My troops to form Line of Battle had to cross the Rail Road, with the exception of the 66th New York, through a dense thicket swamp; which covered the approach of the Enemy , who opened his first fire of about fifty yards distance. Although the attack was bold, and sudden, the Line never swerved; the fired was returned cooly and with deliberation, the first attack was at once repulsed, after a few moments pause the heads of several columns of the Enemy threw themselves upon the intervals of the Regiments on the right and left of the 52nd New York." With copy of French's signature at end.
Israel Richardson was a Union Brigadier General.
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