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540. 62nd Ohio Diary Covering Stonewall Jackson Valley Campaign
With OwnerÕs CDV. A great war-date diary written by Pvt. Thomas H. Gibbons of the
62nd Ohio Vols and kept by him from the time of his enlistment in 1861 until
near the end of Stonewall JacksonÕs 1862 Valley campaign. A typical three
entry per page diary, Gibbons mainly filled in the diary in pencil and covers
his military service from October 1861 through June 1862, totaling nearly
50-pages, reading, in small part: [10/14/61]marched...to the Fairground...our
squad consisting 30 men and Lieut. S. B. Taylor. We with the rest was
considered a company forming for the 62nd Regt OVI we stayed there about two
weeks when Lieut. S.B. Taylor went home and fetched some more men for our
company...we elected our company officers...Capt Henry Jackson, First Lieut.
S.B. Taylor, Second Lieut Joel M. Mearing...[11/15]six companies of us was
ordered to Marietta where there was a fine company of the 63rd Regt OVI, the
intention of the officers seemed to be consolidation of our two regiments and
put Colonel Craig of the 63rd in as Colonel...[11/17]our company was supplied
with muskets and accoutrements. We were then deployed so as to make a big
show, one company of the 63rd was fixed out in like manner...Colonel Craig
and his staff mounted on fine horses moved at the head of the column, in this
manner we went through town...[1/18/62]got on the Baltimore & Ohio
railroad and soon as we was all across the river we got into some old frat
cars and started at 4 in the morning...we had orders from Gen. Kelley to have
3 days cooked rations in our haversacks and be ready to march...[2/13]got
orders to move by railroad and as we moved out we saw the rest of General
Leanders Division moving towards Bloomery Gap where they routed 6000 rebels
and captured several without any loss on our side...we established Camp
Kimball... [3/14]camped on the ground where General Banks engaged the rebels
during his first march towards Winchester, our company was quartered in a
house...[3/17]we marched 3 miles towards Winchester without any assigned
reason for doing so about this time General Shields took Command of us he had
18 thousand men...[3/18]joined the rest of Shields force at Winchester the
entire force was 8,000 infantry 700 cavalry and 24 pieces of artillery...we
was within 3 or 4 miles of Cedar Creek we saw a dense smoke raising in front
which proved to be a wooden bridge on fire, the rebs thought to deter our
advance by burning the bridge, but our advance was on them before they got it
completed and a right smart skirmish ensued resulting in the loss of several
men on each side....[3/19]crossed the creek on a temporary bridge made out of
rails and the remains of the old bridge...to the edge of Strausburg and we
halted while the advance felt around a little to see if there was any
graybacks in that part but it wasnÕt long until the rebs opened a masked
battery on them but done no harm. Our artillery was pushed in front and we
were brought up for support...that was one of our first fights...[battle of
Winchester, 3/22]we received orders to march to Winchester and when we got
there the skirmishing was going on during the afternoon the weather had
cleared off, the result was fifty rebels killed and wounded about 25 of our
men besides General Shields, he was wounded in the arm...[3/23] we got to
Winchester about 2 oÕclock the cannons was then roaring at Kernstown 3 miles
distant from Winchester, we were rushed forward and took up our position. On
the left our position and fronting rebel AshbyÕs Cavalry the rebel cannon
threw a few shell at us without doing any damage. At 3 oÕclock the infantry
fight commenced and continued on till a half hour before dark. Our regiment
started for the scene of action we got on the field just as the rebels were
retiring. We was willing to change front but the rebs run before we got quite
there...[3/24]we followed the rebels all day once was drawn in line but they
run. [3/25]we still followed in pursuit...[3/26]our regiment went on a
scouting expedition...[4/1]our regiment was sent on picket in front...the
rebel pickets commenced to shell us but old DomeÕs Battery then scolded them...[4/17]we
started on a route after [Stonewall] Jackson and drove him before us he fled
and we pursued trying to surround him to make a fight but he fled to fast. We
routed some of his rear guards at a burning bridge at Mount Jackson but was
too late to save the bridge. We countered another party that was firing a
large bridge over the Rappahannock capturing some...[5/5]General Shields and
Colonel Dome [?] took up a grand position...here we was ordered to
Fredericksburg and sent all of our sick to Strausburg to General
Banks...[5/22]we was visited by President Lincoln, that was on Sunday I
believe we drawed new caps that morning and when the President, wife and
cabinet came we had a Grand Review...[5/30]we started and came through Front
Royal routing the Rebels from there, a right smart skirmish ensued loosing
some on both sides but our loss very light. We killed several and captured 60
prisoners...our brigade was ordered to go across towards Strausburg to
reinforce the first brigade but we did not go far until we was ordered back
for the first brigade had routed the rebels...[battle of Port Royal,
6/8]drawn up in line of battle for the 3 & 4 Brig. was in front of us and
Jackson had attacked them and whipped them and they was retreating back that
way but the rebels didnÕt follow them so our line was not disturbed that
night. We all came back five miles, our regiment covering the retreat, this
was the fight near Port Republic...PLUS; a war-date CDV of Gibbons in a
seated pose. Gibbons began the war in the 62nd Ohio and ended it in the 67th
Ohio, but not before serving at the battles of Fort Wagner, Deep Bottom
and Appomattox Court House on
the day Lee surrendered his famed army. Minor splits at the binding, else VG. (Est. $1,200-1,800) |
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543. ÒPresÕt Lincoln having been shot last night in the back of
the head... Left home this evening for Harrisburg to attend the Funeral
obsequies of PresÕt Lincoln... He looks Natural...Ó The diary of Civil War
Nurse Annie BellÕs Father. Excellent diary written by the father of
Annie Bell, famous Civil War nurse who cared for wounded Union soldiers at
the battle of Nashville and other famous Civil War battles. Her father, who
was a minister, writes the following important passages in his 1865 diary.
Reads in part: March 2 Edward started this morning for Washington City to
attend the inauguration of the President, March 4 Feeling uneasy about not
hearing from Annie. Have not heard or got a letter from her for 3 weeks,
April 3 Have heard of the evacuation of Petersburg & Richmond. Have
reason Great reason to thank God who has given us the victory over those
traitors who would destroy us if they could as a nation, hope and pray that
it may prove not only a victory but a braking up of the whole rebel army
& restoration of peace, April 8 Good news from Grant and Sheridan, have
great reason to be thankful that God is blessing our brave army, and giving
them the Victory over the traitors to Him be all the Glory, April 10 J.E.
Beigle here - came up yesterday, she intends to teach the freedman in
Tennessee Murfreesboro. Heard of Lees Surrender this morning, God be praised
for his mercy to us, April 12 Great rejoicing on acct of good news from the
Army every where, April 15 Have heard of the dreadful news of Prest Lincoln
having been shot last night in the back of the head about 11 oclock in the
theater in Washington City what sad news did not believe it at first.
Possible that Secy Seward had his throat cut - that both are dead. O God do
thou have mercy on us & the wretches that done it, April 16 Feel sad
about the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Can hardly realize that it is
true yet its but too certain that it is true, hope and pray that the guilty
wretch that done the hellish deed may be arrested & suffer the severest
penalties of the law with all who have had any hand in it bringing the wicked
deed about, April 21 Left home this evening for Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) to
attend the Funeral Obsequies of Prest Lincoln, April 24 Arrived in Harrisburg
about 7 oclock A.M. got breakfast at somebodys hotel a poor one. Went up to
the Capitol and got into the crowd that was trying to get into see the late
great & good President Abraham Lincoln. Got through after getting a most
dreadful squeezing. Saw him. He looks Natural - went through a 2nd time -
Home this evening Great reason to be thankful, May 10 daughter Annie came
home from Nashville, brought a colored girl called Joanna along with her -
great reason to be thankful to the giver of all good for her safe return
& for the many mercies & blessings he has crowded our pathway with,
May 19 Dr. George E. Stubbs got here about 9 oclock P.M. from Nashville
Tennessee Annies intended Husd (Husband) quite a pleasant man. Much more
content about Annie, the funeral of a soldier (Richard Bell of Co. F of the
76th regiment). An excellent account of Lincolns assassination, and viewing
his body at the funeral in Harrisburg.
(Est. $800-1,200) |
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544. ÒWhen Ellsworth Was Shot... the South in favor of
Secession... Saw one of the Ellsworth Zouaves...Ó Fascinating group
of 9 letters, 7 being from Walter B. Cobb, a store keeper in Derby Line, VT
with two others from family members, all between Jan. 1860–Dec. 1863.
On July 7, 1861, he details EllsworthÕs Zouaves and the death of Elmer
Ellsworth, in part: ÒI have many acquaintances who have enlisted in the 4th
Regt. The soldiers find there is no more of prose and less of poetry in camp
life than they were anticipated. The soldiers appeared well in their new
uniforms. I think it the best Regiment I have seen of ÔRaw VolunteersÕ. They
had a splendid regimental band. What I thought lacking was experienced
officers. Gen. Baxter was a very superior appearing officer. He is nearly the
height of Gen. Scott. I saw one of the Ellsworth Zouaves - dressed in a red
flannel jacket and blue flannel pants, red cap, and kind of gaiter boot. He
said he was from near St. Johnsbury - was front of the Marshall House when
Ellsworth was shot. He said Ellsworth posted a guard inside of the hotel
before he went up after the secession flag, but he was met by Jackson
stepping from a side doorÉRev. Mr. Lee from Stanstead (returned) from Miss...
Says we have no idea of the intense feeling south in favor of Secession. All
able bodied men are enrolled... often the women practice with revolvers. I
conclude they think it necessary on account of keeping their slaves down.Ó
The October 12, 1862 letter reads in part: ÒThe Rebel raid into Pennsylvania
causes much surprise here. Baxter says he hopes they will burn the city of
Philadelphia - thinking it will arouse the North.Ó The February 13, 1863
letter reads in part: ÒWe have a number of invalid soldiers in this vicinity
who quickly regain their health if they can breathe the strong air of
Vermont.Ó More content pertaining to Vermont life. Jackson was the
owner/manager of the Marshall house in Alexandria, Va., where Ellsworth was
shot and killed. Cobb also refers to the 4th Vermont Infantry which saw much
action during the war. A nice archive.
(Est. $300-500) |
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545. Confederate letter describing prisoner executions. Two-page ALS,
February 12, 1864, signed ÒHarveyÓ, to Col. A.C. Corabs, ÒNear GreenvilleÓ,
with great content: ÒI was very glad to hear from one I esteem so highly.
And would have written sooner but circumstances prevented me from doing so;
Since I last wrote we have had quite an exciting time in this portion of our
states; About the first of this month our Army (about ten or twelve thousand
in number) advanced upon Newburn evidently with the intention of capturing
that place but they found it - far strongly fortified and did not try to take
it. We captured about three hundred prisoners. Some of them formerly belonged
to our Army. Them that were indentified [sic] as such were immediately hung;
The war in this portion of the States is fast-assuming a terrible form. Near
every day witnesses the execution of some one. But I hope before many months
shall pass away the enemy will see the insanity of his determination And will
acknowledge it was our inherent and indefensible right of Self Government,
and terminate a war that has already draped in mourning every household.Ó Interesting
history from the last stage of the War. Includes cover and cdv of likely
HenryÕs girlfriend. (Est. $500-800) |
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546. Secession fever in Baltimore just three weeks after
LincolnÕs election... ÒBaltimore is Union to the core...Ó Two firehouses
fight over the ÒemblemÓ of treason!
Great ALS, 4pp., November 30, 1860, on ÒOffice of the Baltimore
City Passenger RailwaysÓ stationery, 4p., to his father David W. Naill. Both
father and son served in the House of Delegates of Frederick County,
Maryland. David served in the 1840s through the 1860s; his son served in 1876
as a Republican. Written in the immediate wake of LincolnÕs election, Nail
just assumed his new position as
Provost-marshal of the Fourth District of Maryland. Captain Henry C.
Naill writes, in part: ÒOn Monday morning I will enter on duty proper, which
I know will be more congenial to my feelings than service without pay. I have
taken boarding at Mrs. HallÕs on HollidayÕs St. near the MayorÕs Office. I
will be made very comfortable there from all appearances at $4 per week. My
salary is $52 per month. By the introduction of Country economy I can make
more by double than I have ever made. My working hours are long – but
my co-workers at Gay St. who work every other day only will give me an hour
or two off each day which will be a comfortable item to me...Ó He then talks
of a friendÕs secret marriage and other matters before reporting that ÒThe
Palmetto flag was run up at the Liberty Engine House on Tuesday but the
Citizens would not stand so extreme a move, and the friends of the ÒLone
StarÓ determined to haul in the secession emblem. Baltimore is Union to
the core. I have seen the Palmetto cockade. It is black with a bright
yellow button in the centre. They are not worn. There are Union ones also.
Those are blue and some few are worn. Gov. HickÕs letter takes well here...Ó
Maryland Governor Thomas H. Hicks was initially quite hostile to Lincoln
firmly believing in StateÕs Rights regarding slavery. His letter voiced
dismay for any imposition of Federal forces to quell riotous behavior. The
writer, clearly aware of the growing danger in his city, goes on to tell his
father: ÒI want you to send me your revolver... load every barrel and send
the loading fixtures with it. Say nothing to the family about this. I am
alone in the Office much of the time at night and feel rather defenseless...Ó
He writes further on the move to hold an extra session of the Legislature as
to address the banking concerns arising with commerce between the states. A
fine missive. (Est. $400-600) |
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547. Great early Civil War letter from a Brit in Maine! Lengthy, 7pp.
letter, Portland (ME), 10th October 1861 from ÒHarryÓ, an Englishman, writing
to his fiancŽe in Canada. Excellent content describing how people cannot
criticize government policies without risk of imprisonment and also a
scathing attack on Yankee women. Includes: ÒLast night Will an I went to a
party and my impression of the people here is not improve at all by meeting
them again in societyÉThere actually was not good looking lady or
thoroughbred looking gentleman there and for the conversationÉthe less said
of it, the better. These American women are very amusing in one way; that is,
their pretensions to knowledge and wit, contrasted with their actual want of
education and the thinness of their minds. To hear them trying to discuss anything
serious puts me in mind of school boys or girls taking of history or
politics, I cannot stand Yankee women. Thank goodness we donÕt see much of
them except in business, for they are frightful boresÉwith their wretched
bragging about their miserable war and their petty jealousy of England. It is
curious to note that the most intelligent, especially those who have been
abroad, are really opposed to the war - despite their government and detest
the rule of the mob, alias people, but they dare not speak out. One gentleman
said to me the other day, ÔIf I were to say what I thought, they would send
me to Fort LafayetteÕ. We Britishers can say what we like without dread of
such fate, though tar and feathers may befall us some day.Ó A great piece!
(Est. $200-400) |
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548. Civil War soldierÕs letter, Camp Griffin Virginia, December 21,
1861, 3pp., in pencil from M. N. Hoyt, a foot soldier from Vermont. The
letter describes battles under the command of McClellan. ÒÉa Scout
tride to cut of our amblents but our scout cut hem of. To of the reb started
to run but they stoped. One had 9 bulets shot into him the other 3. tok 8
prisnerÉ no fear was not in my brestÉ there was on the rebels side 4 to 5
thousand. On our 3000. they fled in such hast that they left 2 canons and
small arms and napsaks so meney that they cont cary it al away. We shod have
gon to the fel if they hant bernt the bridge so we cont cros the lore
PortimacÉÓ (Est. $100-150) |
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549. To a soldier in hospital. Two letters from
East Windsor, CT., Mar. 15th & Mar. 30, 1863, to Union soldier William W.
Green., Co.. G, 25th Regt. C.V., Gen. Banks Division, New Orleans,
LouisianaÓ, w/pencil notation directing it to ÒNew Orleans, St. James
HospitalÓ. The first, 3pp., from his girlfriend: ÒThe Copperheads are
very venemous & active now, but they are overdoing themselves
to some extent. Is it true that Gen. Banks is so much more the Slaveholders
friend than Gen. Butler was? & if so, why is it?...I hear that your
officers have all been sick & some of them remain soÉI suppose soldiers
as well as those who wait at home, have need of all the patient, trustful
virtues. The great Captain seems to make of all counsel, foolishness, but I
do believe he will yet give victory to the right; but perhaps as we have so
long sinned as a nation, we must also suffer long. I enclose you a few Dovers
powders, which I hope you will not need, but if not yourself, someone mayÉÓ
The 2nd letter, 4pp., from his sister, includes: ÒI have taken a soiled
sheet upon which to write to you, for I want to send you all the paper I
have... O! I do hope you are getting wellÉKeep up good courage, it is so
essential to good health. We have prepared some boiled flour. You remember
using it for a bowel complaint. Grate a couple of tablespoons full and make a
cup of gruel using water with a little salt. Or many people eat the flour
from the ball several times a day. It has often wrought cures in obstinate cases
and is recommended by all PhysiciansÉ Will send tea, cough drops, tincture of
rhubarb, a pair of stockings, a neck-kerchief, crackers, dried beef, cheese
etc. The stockings are woolen. We were undecided whether to send them or
cotton, but find it is the testimony of soldiers that woolen are better to
march in, andÉeven for hot climates, they are more conducive to health. A
whole cheese is sentÉWe send a little more jelly and candy. DonÕt eat too
much of either. We think of many things, but as you all were ailing, we fear
to send some things you would like if you were well. For instance, dried
apples, but we read of deaths among soldiers from eating Ôjust a fewÕ
uncooked. Some speak of sending Ôspirits of turpentineÕ. If it is sent, be
very careful and use only a very small dose, say 6 drops, and that only in
case of necessityÉWe have had two political lectures: Mayor Deming,
Republican & Gallagher, Copperhead. Perhaps you know the peace
democrats take the copper cent and cut out the head, which ladies and gentlemen
wear for shawl pins, etcÉIf Seymour is elected, it is thought he will
disappoint his party. I do not believe he can fulfill his promises, and if he
attempts, I think Lincoln will be enough for him...Ó Great insight
from home. (Est. $200-300) |
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We know for certain, the ONLY extant example... as it was the ONLY copy
printed! |
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552. SUPERB CIVIL WAR CONTENT. |
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The Confederate GeneralÕs Signed orders for
the defense of Virginia. |
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555. Union corespondence from Francis Parker, Col. 32nd Mass, July
10, 1862, 1p., to his wife. Fascinating missive revealing some soldiersÕ
views on their president. Parker writes, ÒPresident Lincoln bored us to
death waiting to be received by him night before last & finally got along
about 9 oÕclock by midnight. The Army is not fond of him and I
have advised him to quit writing and reading letters & he promises to do
so.Ó The 32nd Mass., whose nucleus became known as the Parker Battalion,
was organized in November, 1861, to garrison Fort Warren, Boston Harbor.
Parker enlisted on 12/2/1861 as a Major and was commissioned into Field &
Staff MA 32nd Inf. He resigned a year later. (Est. $200-300) |
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556. All the soldiers voted for Lincoln! ALS of Private
Charles W. Personius, enlisted 8/25/1862 at Middletown, NY into ÒGÓ Co. NY 50th Engineers,
mustered out on 6/13/1865 at Fort Barry, VA. 2pp., to his brother from a
ÒCamp Near the Jordan House North of Petersburg Va,Ó Oct. 25th, 1864.
Personius writes on various matters noting that Òwe all voted nearly a week
ago...and all voted a clean Republican Ticket straight through.Ó Fine. (Est. $100-200) |
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557. ÒSaw Old Abe... Saw Mrs. Lincoln... She dresses in deep
mourning.Ó Excellent 4pp. letter, Washington, D.C., July 20, 1862. From
Abraham Hardy, 40th NY Infantry to Miss S. J. Clifford, light ink but very
readable, in part: ÒYou will see by the date of my letter that we are in
Washington city... Some think we will be sent to reinforce Pope in the
Shenandoah valley while others contend we will be sent to McClellan... We are
watching with intense anxiety the response of the loyal states to the
Presidents call for 300,000 more troops... I saw old abe and his cabinet at
the Capitol on the adjournment & I saw Mrs. Lincoln & ÔTommyÕ there
to. Mrs. Lincoln was walking through the Capitol arm and arm with the Hon.
John J. Crittenden. As I wrote in my other letter she dresses in deep
mourning & very plainlyÓ. Hardy goes on to discuss being in a military
funeral escort, discusses wounded soldiers, firing 3 rounds over a grave, and
more. The ÒTommyÓ that Hardy refers to is most probably ÒTadÓ Lincoln who was
always at Mrs. LincolnÕs side. Hardy also cites that Mrs. Lincoln is dressed
in Òdeep mourningÓ. The President and Mrs. Lincoln had just lost their son
Willie on February 20, 1862, dying of typhoid fever. Mrs. Lincoln wore
mourning attire for several years after Willie died. A wonderful first-hand
account. (Est. $300-$500) |
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558. Burning Andrew Johnson in Effigy and the southern secession
question in 1860! Antebellum southern letter, 4pp., Memphis, TN., December 29,
1860. J.B. Burney to his brother on the pressing issues of secession, in
part: ÒWe are having considerable excitement here on the secession
question. Although there are a great many here who still pretend to think
that the Union can be preserved. Gov. U.S. Brown delivered a speech at Odd
Fellows Hall day before yesterday in favor of at least making an effort to
preserve it. On the night of the same day the minute men & seceeders
generally were addressed by Camin of Memphis and Peter B. Stark of Bolivan
county, Miss. They both made very fine speeches. The citizens did Hon. Andrew
Johnson the honor to burn him in effigy last week. I donÕt think I ever saw
so much excitement in my life. I understand they hung him (Johnson) in effigy
at the junction today - wonÕt oxford give him a lift?Ó A fine letter
written shortly after the election of Lincoln, and on the cusp of Southern
Secession. (Est. $150-200) |
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559. Hanging traitors in the North! SoldierÕs letter
signed ÒHowardÓ, Jackson, TN, March 20, 1863, to his cousin Abbie, 4pp.
Ò...We are still in the same camp we were when I last wrote... As for the
war, I was thinking it will last a good while unless the Government does
something with those Traitors in the Northern States. I donÕt think this war
will come to a close until a draft and a heavy one takes place. I for one am
in favor of it. Oh thereÕs so many Southern sympathizers in the Northern
States. All I wish is that I could have the disposal of them If I had they
would be hung higher than Hayman...Ó (Est. $75-100) |
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560. Telegrams: preparing for an army raid towards Richmond. Pair of war-date
ÒUnited States Military TelegraphÓ forms, from Brevet Lt. Col. John G. Hazard
to newly minted Union Gen. John C. Tidball, both December 8, 1864. Hazard inquires
of the two battalions that are to report to Hazard for duty including their
bringing rations and ammunition in preparation for a raid towards Richmond.
The second telegram congratulates Tidball on his promotion to brevet
brigadier general and advises that: ÒGenl. Humphries desires only four light
twelve pounders and three inch from your commandÉÓ. Great Civil War ephemera.
(Est. $200-300) |
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563. Excellent 1864 campaign letter, October 29,
1864, 4 pp., Hammond, (NY), from Jane Williamson to her nephew, in part: ÒYou
want to know how Old Abe gets along now. I will tell you of a Democrat
meeting to the corners. After the meeting was out big foot or Mr. Morse
proposed to give three cheers for Mac and they said it was very faint cheers.
So Mr. Gregor proposed to give three cheers for old abe and they gave such
hardy cheers that it made the house shake. Old Henry King went home mad and
said if they put old abe in we would have 4 years more of war so you can see
they think their cake is dough. I wish I could put in one thousand votes for
old abe.Ó A fine Lincoln campaign letter. (Est. $100-200) |
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564. MURDER THREAT LETTER! 1861 threat to kill the
addressee. 2pp. missive on
patriotic stationery, with postscript on both sides of a second smaller
sheet, Sept. 28, 1861, [no place, but area of Washington Co., in Western PA],
from John B. Smith to Robert M. Patterson, Patterson Mills, Cross Creek
Township, Washington Co. PA. Includes original transmittal cvr, #U35, 3c
pink, hand-delivered, no postal markings. Incredible content, threatening to
kill Patterson unless he sends $500 in an envelope and threatening to burn
down the entire town of Cross Creek if they send anyone to capture him!
Includes: ÒAll I have to say is - if I do not receive an answer from you
on or before the 10th day of October, 1861, I will then come to the conclusion
that you are not a going to comply - and if you are not - why then all I have
to say is for you to take care of yourself - for I commence on you, I will
not have any mercy on you in any way whatever. I do not say in what way you
will be taken, whether by day or by night, by fire or by poison, or by both,
or by who it shall be done, or in what way or at what time - but I can tell
you one thing, just so sure as God gives you breath, that sure it will be
done if you do not comply with my last letter; that was to put five hundred
dollars good money into a letter, put a stamp on it and write my name on it,
and hand the letter to David Smith, and I will try to get it from him in some
way. So now you can take your choice and if your lot is to be destroyed by
not complyingÉ you need not blame me for not giving you a
chance to redeem yourself, for you have been too fast - and not you alone,
but there is not one of them shall escape. But I mention no names, and yours
is not mentioned either if you comply. If not, it will be mentioned to your
sorrow as long as you live. For I can expose you that bad that you will never
get over it. Then you will know something about matters. And I will do it
too, so sure as God lets me live. If you do not send, whey then, look outÉFurther,
I do not care for all the men that can be sent after me, for I canÕt be
taken. Further, the beauty of all is, if I was taken, every person that would
say one word against me would suffer, and they would not know who done the
damage. The County would be burnt up and poisoned and every other way. I can
burn up Creek Township for a few dollars. Now if you mention one word that
has been written to you, it will be bad for you, soÉkeep it to yourself and
be safeÉÓ (Est. $100-200) |
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565. President Lincoln is a great man. Wonderful
letter, 2pp., from Edward Woods to his friend J.V. Neyt, Feb. 10, 1865. In
full ÒDedicated to my worthy and esteemed friends, son and Mr. J.V. Neyt. In
reply to the question: ÒDo you think that President Lincoln is a great man? -
The son of ages shall soon rise and set upon our dust. While the name of
Abraham Lincoln will stand forth on the pages of history in the boldest
letter of eternal adamant. Very Respectfully Yours, Edward P. Woods Lowell,
Feb 10, 1865.Ó He continues on the next page ÒP.S. If you please - paste the
foregoing in your old spelling book - Wait and see what your great great
grand children shall say on the matterÉE.P.M.Ó Woods eloquently and
prophetically articulates LincolnÕs iconic place in history just over one
month before his assassination. Would love to know if the aforementioned
progeny appreciate the prediction!
(Est. $100-200) |
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566. ÒRespecting your faith and the ending of this bloody
tragedyÉ if Mack and his peace at any price men be elected their shoulders
will be burdened with a heavy load of Southern debtsÉÓ Superb, 3pp, ALS
from Thomas Hickling of IllinoisÕ HenshawÕs Light Artillery to a friend
expressing hope of Abraham Lincoln winning the 1864 presidential election.
Although McClellan was expected to get the soldierÕs vote, Lincoln took over
90% of the vote from the fields and won the first presidential election in
which soldiers could vote. ÒLoudon East TennÓ, Oct 9th 1864, in part: ÒI
felt no little pleasure respecting your faith and the ending of this bloody
tragedy and I believe also if you will elect Lincoln again we shall put this
wicked and cruel rebellion down by next summer; and put it down in such a
manner that it will not rise up againÉwhile on the other handÉif Mack and his
peace at any price men be elected their shoulders will be burdened with a
heavy load of Southern debtsÉthey are a set of people too lazy to work for
either their own benefit or their countries, and too big cowards to come out
manfully and fight for the course they seem too anxious to sustain, but as I
firmly believeÉwe shall wip them out rightÉyou tell me to have faith and
patience, I have more of the one than the other I wish it was settled to
dayÉbut as it is many just suffer for the unjust.Ó Thomas Hickling
mustered into service as a Private on 3rd December 1862 and mustered out as
an Artificer on 18 July 1865. Under Captain Edward C. Henshaw, the regiment
participated in the Battle of Buffington Island; skirmished at Paris, KY; and
contributed to a successful resistance of the enemy at CampbellÕs Station.
Light wear, else fine. (Est.
$150-250) |
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567. Union Infantry letter – soldiersÕ support for Lincoln
in the 1864 Presidential election. 3pp. ALS from Jacob Fow of the 82nd PA
Infantry, Co. F. datelined ÒCamp of 82 P.V./ Near Clear Creek, VA, November
3, 1864Ó to Emma. Fow writes from the front at Petersburg, ÒIt was all
that they could do. The election is all that ingross our minds at present.
Our old Col (J.F. Glenn) and Major Rees is down hear electioneering for
Lincoln and JohnsonÉthey will be elected, at least the soldiers are nearly
all going to vote for them. Every thing hear looks like a movement of some
kind before long it may be that Sheridan expects an attack from the enemy we
are ready for themÉI will send ($5.00) dollars in this letter I will send it
by Major Rees. Let me know when you get it.Ó Minimal soiling, otherwise
fine condition. (Est. $150-250) |
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568. X-rated content letter. Union Soldier
CanÕt Get ÒSkin.Ó ALS of Private Elbridge G. Pond, 2nd Mass. Heavy, 4pp.,
Moorehead City, NC, Feb. 24, 1864 to a friend near his hometown of Monson,
MA. In part: Ò...we have had stiring [sic, spelling left intact] times
since I wrote you last the rebels have attacked newbern and they have had a
quite a tussel. but have be[e]n driven back they came in the side of newbern
and took newport Baricks and drove the 19 vermont 700 hundred and co. D of
the 2d mass heavy artillary we expect that they would atact us we had about
200 nig[g]ers at work falling logs acrost [sic] the roads and thoughing in
trenchments but they uisley dept away the gunboats would [k]nock hell out of
them for they can run up both sides of us we were dept in the fort for one
week and slept by our loaded guns but we did not see any thing to shoot at i
suppose you now as much about it as i... a squad of our men went up to
newport with a small wierd gun and when they fell back was orde[r]ed to throw
it in to a smal[l] creek and the next day we were sent after it we got it out
of the water and got back gain safe and sound... you asked me if i got any
skin i tell you the truth when i tell you i have not there is nothing to fuck
but black and i would not do that...Ó In a short postscript, Pond adds
that ÒI have enlisted for 3 years.Ó With transmittal envelope, stamp
removed. (Est. $500-750) |
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569. [Carpetbaggers] ALS of A. Crain, 2pp., Amite City, LA,
December 3, 1866 to his brother ÒOliver and FamilyÓ concerning business
affairs in New Orleans Ò...I have just returned from New Orleans. The
great fare [sic] has just come off and the City was necessarily very
lively and it is now you know the business season in it. O, I found Cotton
Considerably depressed, every thing in fact with rather a downward tendency.
Considerable panic in the dry good market. Corn and Oats I think will still
be higher. Very little Corn made in the South. Mr George and I are selling
Corn white corn 56 lbs to the bushel for 1.75 and Oats for 1.00 per bu. 35
pounds to the bu. We sent to St. Louis for Western produce. It comes in Sacks
you know. Wheat Bran for 2.50 per 100 pounds &c... If you were situated
so that we cold Cooperate with each other in trade we could do so no doubt
with advantage. But the difficulty of transportation and the cost of
transportation if you could get it would consume our profits in getting
articles from you to me. Rail Road transportation it seems is the dearest of
all. You see we have no competition in Rail Roading in this Country. Brother
about the Land I donÕt know what to write. If I was rich enough to buy it I
would own it and establish a stock farm there and live here. But my purse has
grown beautifully small and I donÕt see now how I could take stock. I would
like to see you on that subject. I have gone to great expense in buying and
improving property here. I am now in my new house and hope I shall never have
to build an other house or have to move again. I have grown tired of moving and
shifting about. The war has broken me up and I must husband my recourses... I
do hate to see our old homestead sacrificed....Ó Partial toned fold
separations, some reinforced with archival tissue, else very good. (Est. $200-300) |
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570. The model soldier!! On ÒBattle of Mill SpringsÓ illustrated
stationery, 2pp., ÒHeadquarters Camp falmoth penelton CO Kentucky.Ó In part:
ÒÉstill wirking at the block house and I think that we will be wirking at
it for some timeÉ I wish that you were here with us for we have all of the
fun that we want and we have all kind of fresh meat to eat for every farmer
has a bout 60 sheap and a bout the same of hogsÉ when ever we want eney thing
we gow and take it and huney there is no end to it... there was a barl of
molasses [from a farmer]É we beat him and we got the molassesÉ I dont now
that I will tell you eney thing more about our stealingÉ wer all out of the
tent the other day and one tent seat fell and burnt every thing that we hadÉÓ
Heavily water stained, but certainly has character! (Est. $80-120) |
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571. A group of three
(3) letters of Harrison D. Jewell of the 13 Maine Infantry who served from
the fall of 1861 to early 1865. The first, a letter to his mother in pencil,
4pp. Ship Island, Miss., March 25, 1862 opens, after a month aboard a troop
transport, Jewell reports that
Òit is only through the goodness and mercy of the lord that he has
spared my life..." Eager to be alive and faring better on land in
contrast to his looking Òlike a sharkÓ when his company, ButlerÕs Division of
Maine, first docked, young Harrison begs to hear news of his family and asks
to be written to often. The second letter, 4pp. Worcester, May 15, [1862] to
his sibling Austin that the Òarmy is having such awful fightingÓ that he
finds scant reason to ever Òhear from them alive again.Ó Recognizing that the
troops would not be discharged in June, Jewell expresses his remorse of the
fact that many of the men in battle would never get the chance as his Òheart
aches for them but we must await and time will decide it one way or the
other.Ó Also includes a third letter (partial & unsigned), 4pp.,
Pepperell, MA., March 8, 1863 to his sister concerning family members. The
13th Maine was sent to New Orleans for its defense in the summer of 1862.
Between 1862 and 1864 the regiment participated in the capture of Point
Isabel, TX. and formed part of the Red River Expedition of 1864. Usual folds,
some marginal wear, else very good.
(Est. $100-150) |
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ÒWe all look as red as if we were drunkards
but there is no chance for a private to git a dram here ...all of the
officers got drunk.Ó |
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573. Join a regimental band to get better grub and not have to
carry a knap-sack when drilling!
ALS by a Union soldier with the 12th Mass. (Webster's), 4pp. on
patriotic letterhead bearing an red and blue image of Elmer Ellsworth,
"Camp Near Muddy Branch", Oct. 11, 1861 to a friend advising him on
the prospects "about Comeing [sic] out here in a Reg[iman]tal
Band..." He concludes that he should do just that noting that he would
"be much better Provided for than a common soldier besides enjoying
twice as many Privileges you will also see a good deal of the world coming
out here... Besides when you march you don't have to Carry and Knapsack the
Band Draws Rations by themselves & have a good time generally Smoking
etc... In case of Battle you are to Assist in the Hospital Dept. that is the
new orders of Gen McClellan. You will also be provided with a sword etc. and
have much Respt. Paid as if you was a Sargt..." The signature is hard to
discern as it is quite ornate! The 12th Mass later suffered significant
casualties at Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, Antietam, Gettysburg, and the
Wilderness. Extremely light toning, usual folds, else fine. (Est. $200-300) |
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574. ALS of Pvt. Lester B. Waid, 2pp., U.S. Gunboat Baron DeKalb,
January 7, 1863, to his cousin Francis Waid. Lester expresses uncertainty
concerning the state of the war, describing how Vicksburg Òstill standsÓ but
predicts that it will soon fall. He mentions the Emancipation Proclamation,
which Lincoln had made six days prior: ÒAs to the Emancipation Proclamation,
I can't hear nothing as of yet of the final result... I only live in hopes
all will be well with us...Ó Waid mustered into the PA 83rd Infantry on
August 26, 1861. The 83rd saw action on the Peninsula including the siege of
Yorktown and later at Gaines Mill where it suffered heavy casualties. The
regiment also served at Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg where it helped
defend Little Round Top. The regiment was also part of Grant's 1864 Virginia
offensive and joined the siege of Petersburg. Our correspondent did not make
it to Petersburg – reported as missing on the first day of the Battle
of Cold Harbor on June 1, 1864. His final outcome remains unknown. With
original transmittal envelope. Usual folds, else very good. (Est. $100-150) |
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575. A medical officer in the 98th NY on dying soldiers and
upcoming campaigns. Extensive 12pp. ALS from Lt. Sylvester Willard (later Captain)
of the 98th NY Infantry, Albany, December 6, 1862, with postal-canceled cover
addressed to his brother in Connecticut, in part: Ò...I think I told
you...of my interview with Col. Rucker the Quartermaster of
Transportation...and of my posting over to General Meigs office for the same
purpose...All utterly refused me transportation...Crossing the Delaware river
at Philadelphia I met Mrs. Genl. Terry who came on the cars at Baltimore...by
the Fortress Monroe Boat...I did not endorse the sentiments of the Vermont
Colonel. I can foresee that we may, if we will, occupy Richmond in thirty
days. If Banks with 50,000 men goes up the James River & Burnside with
120,000 presses forward from Fredericksburg against the broken columns of the
Enemy, why may it not be so. It seems to me that such is the plan of the
Campaign. My labors as Medical Examiner were great....My report was first to
the Surgeon General...My examinations are known to have been rigid, yet my
rejections are only 1 in 3 1/10...My article ÔMedical ExaminationsÕ is in the
Medical & Surgical Reporter just received....Ó Much more, quite
fine. (Est. $100-200) |
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ÒEnlisted for the defense of the Stars &
Stripes...Ó |
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Ò...I donÕt think there is any danger of the rebs ever taking this camp... The news from GrantÕs army is glorious... The greatest lore of thecampaign is the escape of John Morgan...Ó
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