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The Celebrated Irish Brigade - New York's Fighting 69th.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 275.00 USD
The Celebrated Irish Brigade - New York's Fighting 69th.
Dramatic L.S. of Union Capt. Edward F. O'Connor, Comdg. Co. I, 69th N.Y. Vol. Infantry, "Late 2d Lt. Comdg. Co. B, 69th N.Y...," "Camp in the Field, Va.," May 18, 1865, 8 x 12 1/4, 1 full p. To Quarter Master General, Washington. "During the month of Aug. 1864 while at City Point, Va. awaiting transportation to Deep Bottom, Va., I received from 1(st) Lt. and Regtl. Q.M. L.F. Sullivan, 69 N.Y.V.V.I. some clothing...After reaching and evacuating our position at Deep Bottom, the Corps (2d) to which my company and regiment belongs, was ordered to proceed at once to the Weldon Rail Road, where at Reams Station, the most advanced position then held by our Corps, a battle ensued on the 25th of Aug. during which I was taken Prisoner of War. After being captured I was robbed of everything I possessed by the rebel authorities at Richmond. The memorandum of issue of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, which I carried in my Pocket Book, was taken from me which leaves me unable to render the necessary returns...." The 69th New York became - and remains - one of the most conspicuous and storied regiments of the war. Fighting, often with appalling losses, their battles also included Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania (where O'Connor was wounded), and many others. "The 69th lost the greatest number of men killed or wounded of any of the New York regiments..."--The Union Army, Vol. 2, p. 101. Only two other Union regiments endured more combat deaths. 69th New York material is key to a Civil War collection; it is one of the few specific units to be the subject of a motion picture (starring James Cagney and Pat O'Brien). Light edge toning and handling, else about fine. Suitable for display.