ALS in pencil by John S. Burr, signed “John S. B.,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, July 4, 1862. Letter home to his parents from City Point, Virginia, describing the Battle of Gaines Mill. In part: “We are now on the banks of the James River. We were engaged in a heavy Battle on the Chickahominy last Friday June 27th. Our Regt were on the left wing and rec’d the heaviest fire for nearly three hours. The Enemy were three times our number and finally we were obliged to fall back. I tell you it is a grand as well as awful sight. Bullets flying in every direction cannon balls tearing up the Earth and shells bursting over our heads. The greatest wonder to me that no more get hurt. There was seven shot in our Co none of them are dead yet.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds with tiny edge separations and light soiling.
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