1863 Civil War Communication Siege of Suffolk -Signed by Generals Peck & Getty

  
This communication between Union General John J. Getty took place April 14-15, 1863, during the Siege of Suffolk. These were key dates in the campaign. After initially testing the left flank of the Union defenders of Suffolk, Virginia, Confederate General James Longstreet shifted his forces to the Union right flank on April 13, constructing river batteries along the west bank of the Nansemond River that would prevent Navy gunboats from linking up with Suffolk. To counter the new threat, General Peck had ordered Getty to the right flank to construct batteries and defenses. Navy gunboats opened fire on the rebel batteries April 14, but got the worst of it when one vessel was disabled and ran aground. Meanwhile, however, Getty had been making his preparations and, on April 15, opened fire with his own guns on the rebel batteries, silencing them after a three-hour duel. In the communication Peck and Getty discuss the latter's dispositions and the possible need for additional troops. The first message was written at 8:30pm, likely on April 14.

I have here now 7 pieces of artillery, six of which are in position. The sharpshooters & pickets are so arranged that I think it will be difficult for the enemy to cross at this point. They may attempt it at some other point below. My pickets extend to the place where the 21st Conn.

Is there any cavalry below that point? I can't make it out.

Please put it in ink. The April 14 communication is then repeated, written out by Peck's aide James D. A communication has just been sent to you, saying, I have ordered three more regiments to your support. If you want any more infantry or artillery let me know immediately, and I will detail them so they will be ready to move if wanted. April 14 and 15 would be key dates in the campaign. After their April 13 movement, Longstreet's troops had constructed river batteries along the West Bank of the Nansemond, blocking Navy gunboats from reaching the Union defenders at Suffolk. In response, Peck had ordered Getty to the right flank to construct batteries and defenses to counter the new threat.

Navy gunboats opened fire on the rebel batteries April 14, but got the worst of it when one of the gunboats was disabled and ran aground. Meanwhile, however, Getty had been making his preparations and, on April 15, opened fire on the rebel batteries, silencing them after a three-hour duel.

The letter is twice signed by Getty, first very faintly at the conclusion of his 8:30pm note, and then more boldly on the opposite side after his note about the message being entirely rubbed out. The communication was written on both sides of a 7 3/4" x 9 3/4" letter sheet. It is in very good condition with light foxing and toning. Light soiling on the side that Getty reported as unreadable. Creased at the original folds. Below this is an area of faint but illegible writing. The writing is almost entirely rubbed out. Please see my other items for more original Civil War items. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Autographs\Military". The seller is "iron-horse-sales" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Industry: Military
• Signed: Yes