Civil War letter from New York Surgeon for disability of officer from cannon-blast (SOLD)

This is a great document concerning Lieutenant Robert P. Wilson. He served in the 16^th New York Infantry, the US Volunteers, and the 121^st New York Infantry. It is written by the 16^th New York Surgeon, W.B. Crandall (see period picture) on July 9, 1862. It is a reply to Lt. Wilson of Colonel Bartlett’s staff, for a request for a leave of absence.

The surgeon states that Wilson was “….suffering from a concussion of the brain with partial paralysis resulting from the effects of a cannon shot passing near the back of the head during the action of 30^th June”. This injury was from the actions at the Battle of Glendale.

The Battle of Glendale, also known as the Battle of Frayser's Farm, Frazier's Farm, Nelson's Farm, Charles City Crossroads, New Market Road, or Riddell's Shop, took place on June 30, 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia, on the sixth day of the Seven Days Battles. There is an artist’s drawing of the battle regarding the 16^th New York wearing straw hats (see pictures).

The surgeon finds that Wilson is unfit for duty for a period of fifteen days. He signs his name and “Camp James River July 9^th, 1862”. Lt. Wilson went on to have a fabulous military career and serving as Assistant Adjutant General under General Bartlett at Gettysburg. In my book “Battle of Gettysburg – The Relics, Artifacts & Souvenirs”, I go into more detail on Lt. Wilson and General Bartlett. This all-original letter is in excellent condition, no rips, or tears and easy to read.