Original Authentic American Civil War Soldier Letter – August 30, 1864

Offered here is a genuine original handwritten Civil War soldier letter dated:

Head Quarters Cavalry Corps Reserve Brigade

New Charleston, Virginia

August 30, 1864

A remarkable firsthand battlefield correspondence written by a Union cavalry soldier to his mother during active military operations.

This is NOT a generic family letter. The content contains direct references to:

• troop movements

• battlefield engagement

• enemy infantry attacks

• artillery fire

• casualties

• reconnaissance / scouting actions

• prisoners captured

• military camp life

• officer resignations

• soldier exhaustion after combat

An exceptional piece of authentic Civil War history.

Historical Content Highlights

The writer describes:

• moving camp near the Potomac

• marching toward Kearneysville

• skirmishers being attacked by enemy infantry

• retreat under heavy pressure

• severe fighting

• approximately 100 killed or wounded

• artillery exchanges across Opequon Creek

• repeated attacks and counterattacks

• prisoners captured

• cavalry operations in Virginia

Notable excerpt:

"The fighting was very severe, our loss was about 100 killed or wounded..."

Another:

"The enemy opened his artillery from the heights opposite to us, we did the same..."

And:

"Shall be glad when this horrid time is over for I am completely tired out."

This kind of emotionally powerful battlefield content is exactly what serious Civil War collectors seek.

Physical Details

• Original 4-page handwritten letter

• Ink manuscript

• Dated August 30, 1864

• Fold marks consistent with mailed correspondence

• Good antique condition with age toning

• Writing remains largely legible

• Please examine all photos carefully

Full Partial Transcription (from visible pages)

Head Quarters Cavalry Corps Reserve Brigade

New Charleston Virginia

August 30, 1864

My dear Mother,

My last was written on the 23rd inst while at Shepherdstown...

...have been constantly on the move since, so have not had time to write before this.

On the 24th we moved camp about two miles from town to a pleasant location near the Potomac...

25th up before light and on the march toward Kearneysville...

Sent forward skirmishers which were attacked by the enemy infantry...

The fighting was very severe, our loss was about 100 killed or wounded...

The enemy opened his artillery from the heights opposite to us, we did the same...

They drove us back through Smithfield...

Captured few prisoners...

Shall be glad when this horrid time is over for I am completely tired out...

Your truly affectionate son

C.H. Gray

Collector Appeal

Perfect for collectors of:

• Civil War memorabilia

• military manuscripts

• battlefield letters

• Union Army history

• cavalry history

• Virginia campaign artifacts

• antique Americana

• museum-quality historical documents