Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A good war-date Union surgeon's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by Asst. Surgeon William C. Towle 12th Maine Vols., Camp Parapet, Carrolton, [La.], Dec. 14, 1863, to his wife, in part: "…the negro Regt. which were stationed here moved away this morning to Brashear City…I suppose you have heard of the disturbance at Ft. Jackson & Phillip meeting among the negroes. It was soon quieted however…[we have a] Catholic priest who visits us once a week. He appears to be a very pious and kind man and takes great interest in the side. I had quite a talk with him…he is engaged by Government to visit the sick of his persuasion which there are many in nearly all Regts. There are 15 Catholic Churches in N. O. the majority of the people belonging to that religion. The old priest informed me that the wealthiest class in the city were Catholics and upon my asking him why they devoted so much more time to amusements [on] Sundays then any other day the reply that he thought it much better that the people should seek innocent amusement outside of the house than evil thinking inside…there are no less than 11 generals in the city at this time. He saw them at the great ball of Gen. Banks the other night. He said that Mrs. Banks was quite a good sized woman and wore her dress very low in the neck so much so as to excite considerable talk. The Capt. has a grand chance to see & hear all that is going on being on Col. Beckwith's staff. He goes wherever the Col. goes balls, parties etc…his pay is $50.00 extra a month…I don't see much chance of promotion…Dr. [Eldridge A.] Thompson has been with the Regt over a year and…will be promoted first…W. C. Towle." The original transmittal cover is included. A bit light, but readable, else VG
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