ALS signed “E. B. Deason, Co. D, 12th Miss Reg't, Orange C.H., Va.,” one page, 7.5 x 6.75, March 23, 1862. Letter by a Confederate private to his uncle, Archie A. Legrand, in part: "We have just retreated from Manassas and are now stationed at the Rappadan River about Fifteen miles below this place. I have been here for several days on the sick list but am going to return to my Regiment this evening. There was a great deal of property destroyed in camps and at Manassas, in the way of clothing, cooking utensils and Provisions. I never want to be in another retreat. I had rather fight a week than to retreat one day." In fine condition, with slight discoloration along folds, and the bottom of the letter trimmed off.
