Frye, Frederick

Autograph letter signed ("Frederick Frye Major 9th RCV'), 8 pages (9 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.; 247 x 197 mm),"Mississippi River opposite Vicksburg," 5 July 1862, to General J. W. Phelps; marginal light spotting. Blue linen folding case, blue morocco spine lettered gilt.

Shelling of Vicksburg. Frye pens a lengthy letter to his former commander, General J, W, Phelps, relating various military incidents. Of particular note is his commentary on the shelling of Vicksburg: "Though the result of this expedition might be called successful  . . . the details of it are rather unfortunate as well as the individual results. The day was oppressive . . . officers & men were completely exhausted and I believe that 500 fresh determined rebels could have completely annihilated us all . . . if this continues you will see naught —but the skeleton of your once 9th Regiment." Frye includes a manuscript map showing the fleets fronting Vicksburg and a proposed cut off to isolate the area.