Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
Union soldier's war-date letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Montgomery Hickman, Co. I, 97th Illinois Vols., "Camp near New Ibenia, La., Oct. 11, 1863", to his wife, in part: "…we left at dark on the cars and come out 80 miles…to Brashear City…we left Brashear about 4…and had to go 16 miles before we camped on account of water…this camp is at the head of navigation on Bayou Teche (the name in this country for small rivers or creeks) which runs into Berwick Bay. It is a narrow stream but very deep and steamboats run up this far with provisions, ammunition etc. All the rest of the army has gone on towards Texas except our brigade which is to stay here as guard until all the supplies are brought forward. The roads are splendid now…this is the best part of Louisiana that we are now going through…it is the regular sugar country, every planation we pass has its sugar mill…there are hundreds if not thousands of barrels of the nicest sugar…and molasses without measure. There is more wealth in this part of Louisiana than any other part of the Union, Niggers seem to grow spontaneous…the plantation we are now camped on, which is only about a third or fourth rate one, there are not less than three-hundred niggers. But most of the plantations are fast going to ruins. There is but little farming going on this season. A great many of what have once been the finest of places we find entirely deserted by white as well as blacks and those that have heretofore escaped are getting pretty well cleaned out now. We live high on chickens, sweet potatoes, honey…etc…M. Hickman." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor paper loss at folds, else VG
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