War-dated ALS signed “John R. Morse,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 5.5, July 20, 1863. Letter to schoolteacher Emily Page, just 17 days after Gettysburg. In part (with grammar and spelling retained): “I think you have heard before this of the severe battles the Army had at Gettysburg and other places. We gave Johnny Reb a sound whipping hear, we also lost a great number of men. The Division in which I belong lost more than one third in killed and wounded, my Regiment went in-to the Battle on the third of July with three hundred men and came out with one hundred and twenty, my Captain and ordely Sargant wer killed. I am duty at the fifth core hospital atending Col. Walker of Gen. Sykes staff he is badly wounded in the breast.” In fine condition, with a trimmed top edge. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Morse is apparently alluding to his Regiment’s losses as the result of Pickett’s Charge on July 3, 1863, which contributed to the Confederate loss. A riveting letter with the still-fresh memories of a Gettysburg survivor. RR Auction COA.
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