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This is a rare, intact archive of THREE original CONFEDERATE Civil War letters dating from 1861 to 1864. They follow the front-line experiences of the McDaniel brothers, William and Sandy, who served in Company A of the 27th Texas Cavalry, also known as Whitfield's Legion or Ross's Texas Brigade. The ink on all three letters is remarkably dark, bold, and easy to read. Complete transcripts will be included for the buyer.
The first letter is dated December 18, 1861, from Camp Weightman and Canehill, Arkansas. William McDaniel writes to his parents in Daingerfield, Texas, to report that his unit has officially been transferred to Major Whitfield's battalion. He describes setting up winter quarters and mentions the tragic camp conditions where fellow soldiers are dying of typhoid fever.
The second letter is dated January 24, 1864, from Camp Ross, Mississippi. Sandy McDaniel describes a brutal 30-day scouting mission through three and a half feet of mud. He details how they had to abandon their wagons but successfully smuggled 1,800 firearms across the Mississippi River to supply the army. He also notes firing artillery at Union transport ships and hearing the roar of enemy gunboats.
The third letter is dated March 12, 1864, from a camp near Benton and Yazoo City, Mississippi. Sandy provides a direct combat report from the Battle of Yazoo City, explaining that his unit successfully stormed Union fortifications and captured 11 pieces of artillery and 60 wagons. He explicitly praises his commander, Brigadier General Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross, calling him one of the best cavalry officers since Van Dorn. He also describes the severe wartime inflation, noting that a basic pair of jeans costs 15 to 18 dollars.
The letters are in good, stable condition with standard fold lines and minor edge wear.
