Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A good war-date Union surgeon's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Asst. Surgeon William C. Towle 12th Maine Vols., Camp Parapet, [Carrolton, La.], Dec. 24, 1863, to his wife, in part: "…I went with Col. [Charles S.] Ilsley [15th Maine] to Manchac to inspect some colored troops stationed at that point. We took the cars…on the Jackson railroad. Manchac is about 35 miles from here and is the terminus of the Federal lines. At this point the railroad crosses a narrow sheet of water between two lakes. Lake Pontchartrain extends from near New Orleans to this point and is from 10 to 30 miles wide…the Rebels occupying the other side of the lake gives them a great chance of smuggling goods across which they are not slow in doing. A guard is stationed on the borders of the lake and they often…seize valuable prizes. One half goes to them and the other to the government . In our inspection of the Negro troops we found them looking very well. They take considerable pride in keeping their arms well polished & their clothes clean. they learn to drill very readily as their ear for music and time is good…I took dinner with Capt. [Seth C.] Farrington. He lives in style. He wanted me to…attend a grand soiree at Gen. Banks' but I think it would not amount to much…I don't think much of these Hallaboloes which they keep up all night. I had much rather ride my horse back into the country 3 or 4 miles when I want…exercise…a negro came in this morning with three of his toes cut off done with an axe while cutting wood. I did them up for him and he went off well pleased. We have a man & his wife almost half indian and half negro. They work in the hospital [and] in the morning bring wood, water etc. The people rely principally on rain water. They have very large cisterns round the houses…the river water is…only fit drink except the cistern water…[Dec. 25th]…this is a great day especially among the darkies. They were dancing all last night in a house near here & guns were fired. I visited a sugar house…the old planter has lost about 50 slaves but still has as many left which are not willing to leave him…W. C. Towle." The original transmittal cover is included. A bit light, but readable, else VG
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