Original Civil War Letters Featuring the Battle of New Bern — Sgt. William A. Moore, 58th Pennsylvania Infantry
Original Civil War Letters Featuring the Battle of New Bern — Sgt. William A. Moore, 58th Pennsylvania Infantry
This lot includes two authentic Civil War letters from Sgt. William A. Moore, written in early 1864 from Washington, North Carolina. One letter provides a firsthand account of the fierce rebel attack on New Bern on February 1st, 1864, detailing the intense fighting, heavy casualties on both sides, and the aftermath at Batchelors Creek. The other letter shares candid camp gossip and insights into daily military life.
About Sgt. William A. Moore
William A. Moore grew up in Pennsylvania and enlisted with Company E of the 58th Pennsylvania Infantry on December 7, 1861. After training at Camp Hamilton, Moore’s unit was stationed in North Carolina by early 1863, where they engaged in numerous skirmishes and battles in the New Bern area. His leadership skills earned him promotions to Corporal and then Sergeant in 1862.
Moore’s regiment saw action in key campaigns including Drewry’s Bluff, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg, moving back to Virginia in April 1864. He was discharged in August 1864 after a distinguished service record. Moore survived the war and returned home to his family, leaving behind letters that capture the trials and spirit of a Union soldier on the front lines.
These letters are a valuable addition for collectors and historians seeking authentic voices from critical but often overlooked skirmishes in North Carolina during the Civil War.
Full transcription is in our voices from the past tab
Original Civil War Letters Featuring the Battle of New Bern — Sgt. William A. Moore, 58th Pennsylvania Infantry
This lot includes two authentic Civil War letters from Sgt. William A. Moore, written in early 1864 from Washington, North Carolina. One letter provides a firsthand account of the fierce rebel attack on New Bern on February 1st, 1864, detailing the intense fighting, heavy casualties on both sides, and the aftermath at Batchelors Creek. The other letter shares candid camp gossip and insights into daily military life.
About Sgt. William A. Moore
William A. Moore grew up in Pennsylvania and enlisted with Company E of the 58th Pennsylvania Infantry on December 7, 1861. After training at Camp Hamilton, Moore’s unit was stationed in North Carolina by early 1863, where they engaged in numerous skirmishes and battles in the New Bern area. His leadership skills earned him promotions to Corporal and then Sergeant in 1862.
Moore’s regiment saw action in key campaigns including Drewry’s Bluff, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg, moving back to Virginia in April 1864. He was discharged in August 1864 after a distinguished service record. Moore survived the war and returned home to his family, leaving behind letters that capture the trials and spirit of a Union soldier on the front lines.
These letters are a valuable addition for collectors and historians seeking authentic voices from critical but often overlooked skirmishes in North Carolina during the Civil War.
Full transcription is in our voices from the past tab