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Hammond, Horace J. to Eleanor Hammond

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09273.13 Author/Creator: Hammond, Horace J. Place Written: City Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 December 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.5 x 12.4 cm. Order a Copy

Is in good health; cold has almost gone. Received a letter from her this morning. Joseph's health is very good. Started on a raid this past Tuesday. Marched five miles one day, 22 the next, and 20 the day after. Upon reaching their destination, they "commenced and tore up the railroad and piled up the ties and then lugged the rails on the piles of ties and then set them afire." Also destroyed "30 miles of the road and burnt it up." Soldiers killed and ate any farm animals that they saw and "burnt everything that we came to." Rained and hailed all that night. Began their march back through the now muddy ground. Drove all the cattle they could find back to the camp. Took 200 rebel prisoners and burnt bridges on the way back to camp. Some 35,000 infantry, 15,000 cavalry, and 10,000 artillery went on the raid. Had a ten mile long supply train. It is very cold, but he feels "first rate." Has not had much time to read his Bible recently.

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1864-1865

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