THE LAST DAYS OF THE WAR [title for this typescript]

Purple ribbon typescript. 4to. 17 leaves (rectos only, numbered in pencil in upper corner). Double-spaced typescript (with manuscript corrections, deletions, and additions, most in pencil), approximately 5000 words. Sub-title: "The following thrilling account of The Last Days of the W[ar as] seen by a Private is a lecture by Dr. H. T. Bahnson, of Salem, and has been delivered by him on several occasions to greatly intresed [sic] audiences [in pencil: 'Charlotte Observer']." This typescript was made by Bahnson's son A. H, Bahnson and is signed in type by him ("Copied by A.H.B.") at the end. Apparently this lecture was the original text for North Carolina Booklet, Vol. 2, No. 12, published in 1903. Top right corner of each leaf with insect damage, resulting in the loss of words on each leaf; on the verso of the final leaf is a pencil note concerning a trial involving Gen. Bryan Grimes. Bahnson, a native of Salem, N. C., served with Co. G, 2nd N.C. Infantry until he was captured at Gettysburg. After six months imprisonment in Baltimore and Point Lookout, he was exchanged, joining Co. B, 1st N. C. Sharpshooters Batallion for the duration of the conflict. Further reminiscences were posthumously published as Days of the War, 1863-1865 in 1950. In this lecture Bahnson describes in vivid detail the action he saw from April 2, 1865, to the surrender at Appomattox, as well as his final captivity before his return home. He recounts fierce fighting along the Appomattox River, the burning of Petersburg (with the sight of the fires of Richmond in the distance), and the final retreat of Lee's army to Appomattox, describing skirmishes at Amelia Court House and Farmville, as well as the final charge of the North Carolina men at Appomattox, the rather ironic surrender of 102 Union soldiers to his small company, and his last viewing of Lee.…