Confederate general (1828–1863) who helped lead Pickett's Charge and was killed in battle just two weeks later. Civil War–dated ALS in pencil signed “J. J. Pettigrew,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 7.25 x 7, Opposite New Bern, Saturday, 9 A. M., [March 1863]. Battlefield dispatch to General Daniel Harvey Hill. In part: “After the bursting of 20 pounders this morning and the breaking of the carriage…with the rapid waste of ammunition, and the exceedingly small impression made I thought proper to withdraw the artillery. The Parrots were worse than nothing, and I have already lost several men by the shelling of a boat down the river, which I cannot reach. I fear I shall have to withdraw the whole, I am truly sorry, but it would be folly to keep the men thus exposed.” Pettigrew adds a postscript to the reverse, signed “J. J. P.,” in full: “I think it probable, that I could carry the place by storm, but the place has to be taken in front, being flanked by a swamp, and I know not what I should do with the number of wounded I should suffer.” In good to very good condition, with intersecting folds (complete tape-repaired separation to lower horizontal fold, passing through one line of writing), and moderate scattered toning and staining. General Longstreet had ordered Hill to retake New Bern, and on March 14, Pettigrew engaged Union troops and began to bombard their fort—as he refers to in this letter. However, the Union was able to repel Pettigrew’s troops with gunboats, forcing a retreat after four hours—it was a complete disaster for Pettigrew, as his men suffered sixty casualties to the Union’s six. An incredibly rare letter from the courageous Confederate general, just months before his final attack in the Battle of Gettysburg. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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