Lot 157 email save

(BATTLE OF FREDRICKSBURG MAP)

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157. (BATTLE OF FREDRICKSBURG MAP) A highly detailed 1p. 4to., [circa 1862] map showing the positions held by Burnside's Left Grand Division at Fredericksburg. Crudely hand drawn, in blue ink, by Pvt. Horatio N. Duroe, Co. K, 121st New York. The map exaggerates somewhat the battlefield at Fredericksburg by centering the layout of the battlefield around the action he and his regiment witnessed on December 13, 1862. Assaulting Stonewall Jackson's position, the Union forces were menaced by Pelham's battery on the right flank of the Confederate line that day. Obviously, Duroe and his comrades were subject to the fury of the battery as he correctly indicated, on the far right of the Confederate lines, Pelham's the position and labeled the location: "Reb Battery". Almost directly opposite Pelham's position, in the Union lines near the Rappahannock River, is the Bernard House which served as a hospital and Union General William B. Franklin headquarters, Burnside's Grand Left Division commander. Battlefield maps are rare and seldom come to the market place making this a rare opportunity to acquire a true piece of history...Plus; two war-date letters, totaling four pages and written, in period ink or pencil by Duroe. The first is a two-page letter datelined: "White Oak Church, Va., Mar. 7, 63". While the second two-page letter, [Shenandoah Valley, Va.], Oct. 21, 1864 reads, in part: "...I am to be promoted to Lt. & have got to get [a] new sword...I am on picket...our cavalry won another great victory...Hurrah for `Little Phil'. This makes nearly one hundred of men captured since we into the Valley...". Unfortunately, Duroe would only have months to live as he was killed in action during the battle of Fort Fisher, V. A. on Mar. 25, 1865. Minor soiling and spotting, else very good. $1,000-1,500

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