Rare opportunity for KIA Tennessee 1862 Gilham\'s manual for volunteers and militia, signed by Capt Robert A Rutledge, 63 TN, killed in action, Last photo not included, just verifies his signature.

Payment due via PayPal within 24 hours of sale close.....

Letter reference his death in battle.

“Camp 63d Tenn Regt NearRichmond Virginia Jun 14th 1864 Mr G P Rutledge Griffin Ga Dear Sir No doubtyou have long ere this heard the melancholey tidings that you were deprived ofan affectionate and worthey son & your Family of a fond and loving brother,in the severe engagement of the 16th May when Southern chivalry charged theEnemy from a strong & splendidly entrenched position at the Bluff (Drurys)I write not to give a history of battles but simply to inform you of the lastmoments of your son Capt. Rob. Rutledge as I had it from our minister who waswith him in his last moments. I saw and conversed with Rob the evening beforethe fight He was quite cherful” [Page 2] “and said he was glad he had come toVa. As it was for the good of his Country The morning of the 16th we started ona charge about 5 o’clock and charged up a full plain road within 400 yards ofthe Enemy when they opened on us with Grape & musketry Then Rob was struckby a Minnie Ball the Ball entering his left lung He was imediatily taken to therear, where he was waited on by Ladies from Norfolk Va. to whom he conversedfreely of his condition and future prospects. He at the same time beingperfectly aware that he would soon die. He Lingered until 6 o’clock in theevening when he died so calmly & as happily as if he was at Home. No doubtseemed to enter his mind as to his acceptance with his saviour” [Page 3] “Heasked our Minister to pray with him said he had been a member of thePresbyterian church for some time & that He was perfectly resigned to thewill of God. His was a happy death and we cannot mourn for him, for our losshas been to his eternal gain A fiew Hours before he died a letter was handedhim from his Wife which was read to him by Liut Yost of our Company when it wasfinished he said Thank God I have heard once more from Home His last words wereof his family and Friends He expressed a wish that all should meet him inHeaven All concur in saying never did man die more resigned or Happily such mydear sir was the death of your Son We cannot regret” [Page 4] “regret him ourloss is his eternal Salvation Lit not you Family be troubled too much about hisfate but comfort them with the assurance that the dear Son & Brother &Husband can be welcomed at the throne of God where Christians can meet andrecognize their friends who have only gone in advance of them to there HeavenlyHome With much Love to your Family & much Sympathy I am Truely Your FriendRobt. M. Rhea A copy of R M Rhea’s letter to G P Rutledge”