ALS in pencil, signed “Will,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, September 22, 1864. Letter by Union soldier William Cooke, written from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps in Winchester, Virginia, offering an account of the Third Battle of Winchester. In part: “Col. Edwards seized the colors of the 37th and told them to follow him, and with the colors in one hand and his hat in the other he dashed forward and planted the colors in the rebel works…But many a poor fellow bit the dust. After the fight was over I rode back over the field and such a sight. The ghastly dead and wounded writhing in pain presented an awful spectacle. Implements of war were strewn about, knapsacks, etc. We lost heavily but the enemy’s loss was far greater…In order that you may know I am not a coward I will tell you that I have received the highest praise for gallant conduct on the field.” In fine condition, with light soiling and toning at folds. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Fought in Winchester on September 19, 1864, the battle proved an important victory for the Union and a humiliating defeat for Jubal Early’s Confederate forces.
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