Confederate General (1821–1889) and brother-in-law of Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson. Civil War-dated ALS signed "Husband," one page, 8 x 10, August 21, 1863. Handwritten letter to his wife, with news of the early siege of Chattanooga by Union forces, which culminated in the Battle of Chickamauga. In full: “The Yankees commenced shelling Chattanooga today without giving notice to non-combatants. The town is full of women & children & soldiers in Hospitals. They moved along their whole front today to interfere with the fasting, humiliation and prayer. Has there ever been such barbarity & wickedness. The Lord reward them according to their works. I think it probable that we may have a general engagement soon. Don't give yourself any uneasiness on my account. I am in the hand of God & shall he take me, I believe that it will be to himself. You must live for the children. Poor little things, they would find it a cold world without parents. May the Lord be with you & bless you evermore.” In very good condition, with overall creasing and scattered small stains.
The Second Battle of Chattanooga took place on August 21, 1863, as the opening battle in the Chickamauga Campaign. Col. John T. Wilder's brigade of the Union 4th Division, XIV Army Corps reached the Tennessee River opposite Chattanooga and ordered the 18th Indiana Light Artillery to begin shelling the town. The shells caught many soldiers and civilians in town in church observing a day of prayer and fasting. The bombardment sank two steamers docked at the landing and created a great deal of consternation amongst the Confederates.
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