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PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIER'S ORIGINAL GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD-WRITTEN LETTER

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Presented here is a most extraordinary and identified Civil War  epistle written on the field at Gettysburg in line of battle by Lieutenant Robert Newton Martin. Sealed within a mylar sleeve, the letter is in excellent condition with some areas of light yellowing/staining. Pair of fold lines on each page.

Robert Martin was a twenty-one year old resident of Blair County, PA when he enlisted in Harrisburg on April 20, 1861 with Co "A", 3rd PA Infantry, a three-months unit. He mustered out on July 29, 1861 and a week later mustered into "M" Company, 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry regiment. The 62nd PA initially spent time in Washington DC and then crossed the Potomac to Fort Corcoran, VA being assigned to the Army of the Potomac's 5th Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade. What followed were combat operations in the battles at Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, the Mine Run Campaign, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River and Petersburg. Three years later in July 1864, this hard fighting Pennsylvania infantry regiment mustered out at Pittsburgh after losing a total of 258 officers and men. Martin survived the service and mustered out as a 1st Lieutenant on August 15, 1864.

Sgt. Martin fought with his distinguished unit from his enlistment in August 1861 to his discharge in August 1864. This outstanding battle letter signed, "R N Martin" in two pages measuring 5" x 8" on patriotic stationery depicts Pennsylvania Brigadier George A. McCall. Martin's handwritten letter from the battlefield at Gettysburg starts with being "In line of Battle Near Gettysburg Pa", July 2, 1863 (not stated) and sent to "Auntie & Mollie". Sergeant Martin was likely writing from the Wheatfield prior to the day's first Confederate assault. The letter reads:

"This day finds me sitting against a stonewall momently (sis) expecting the fight to commence; the 11th 12th & 1st Corps fought yesterday holding their position, But lost Genl Reynolds Comd of the 1st Corps, Killed. We arrived here this morning marching over 100 miles in 6 days. We are very much fatigued We heard last night little Mac was in comd just as we started. The corps marched 9 miles after night cheering for little Mac all the way. Laid down half after 12 got up and started at 4 so you can imagine how we feel. The enemy occupys (sic)part of the town. Firing of artillery is now going on. Either this evening or tomorrow we will have to fight...there is too much excitement to write much now. If I am spared I will give you the particulars of our last marches. Troops are pouring in very fast. I think the most of our army is here now. I pray God will favor us with a victory".

The following year he was promoted to first lieutenant, surviving the war and living until 1912. One of the most remarkable Gettysburg letters we've ever seen. In very good condition with just light toning. No foxing and some marginal creases with a few edge chips.

If one seeks a unique and identified outstanding personal battle letter from Gettysburg written by a Pennsylvania combat-veteran, look no more - you have found it here. [ph:L]

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