This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2026
Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. autograph letter signed, recollecting on the Civil War Battle of Antietam where he was wounded while serving in the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Dated 19 October 1895 on Commonwealth of Massachusetts Supreme Court stationery, Holmes writes in part,
''Dear Sir / I find myself unable to give you any help with regard to the route of the 20th [Massachusetts Infantry] on the map delivered herewith...OW Holmes''. On the following page he continues, ''I learned from Col. [Norwood P.] Hallowell that we lay together[?] at the Nicodemus House - just after the fight, being wounded - that was to the rear and right of where we were in line.''
During the Battle of Antietam, the high, flat ground of the Nicodemus Farmstead gave the Confederates a strategic position to shell advancing Union troops. The house on the farmstead was also apparently used as refuge for wounded soldiers such as Holmes, Jr., who suffered a severe bullet shot to the neck and was almost left for dead before a friend found and rescued him.
Two page letter on bifolium stationery measures 5'' x 8''. Folds, light foxing and chip to left edge. Very good condition.