“Front near Petersburg 1864” Beautifully executed gouache painting of artillery action at the siege of Petersburg. On verso is a short letter written to a young lady by the artist – “You see by the picture that the shells burst in the ravine below while there is none that can reach us without it is a chance shot”
Our favorite “illustrated” Civil War letter! This half sheet letter is written in ink and reads as follows:
Front near Petersburg the 29th /64
Miss Caroline Thompson,
Your father and me tents together and I thought I would send you a rough sketch of our locality. It takes an old soldier to understand where to pitch his tent. You see by the picture that the shells burst in the ravine below while there is none that can reach us without it is a chance shot. We are all enjoying a good time with the superintendence of Major D. L. Thompson.
J. Brennan
On the reverse of this letter is a detailed drawing of artillery shells landing in camp below while our artist James Brennan, a musician in the 8th Maryland Infantry sits on a hilltop watching the action.
Brennan enlisted in March of 1864 as a musician. The 8th Maryland was involved in engagements around Petersburg during the siege from June 1864 to July 1865. A true museum quality piece for display.
#L29-64 – Price $1,495
