Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A great early war-date Southern mother's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by "A. K.", [Anne (Potter) Kidder], Wilmington, [ N. C.], Apr. 16, 1861, to her college student son Edward Kidder. Edward was one of the few Southerners who did not leave Harvard College following the outbreak of the Civil War, reading, in part: "…no doubt you have heard of the taking of Fort Sumpter & now are aware of the President's decision. Why did he try to deceive us by leading us to suppose the forts were to be given up?…your Pap (with many other Union men) think the step is madness. They wave the question of right, but…policy ought to have decided to have let them alone. What is to be gained? Oh! Lincoln's reign will be remembered…as a dark, dark spot in our country's history…I have no doubts…that the north will, in the end, overcome the south, but then? Will it be a united people? No never. The north have more men & money therefore they probably will gain the victory, but it will be through seas of blood. Oh my child if you & our darling Georgia was decided Christians I should feel differently for then I should feel that I could give you up…you better remain where you are for the present…remember try & keep as quiet as you can…two our of companies, besides a German company have started to take our forts. Poor fellows they passed here this morning…some looked much whiter than usual. Our fort is in dilapidated condition & I fear a weak affair to resist a strong enemy. Oh, cannot this thing be stopped? Can nothing be done? The negroes are anxious to know what it all means, conscious of being the just cause. I think I hear [Wendell] Phillips disapproving of war. Why have so many been working for years to gain this end? Could not their pretended object been accomplished in a more Christian manner. Oh, New England has much to think of…now we do not know what to do…we must try & look to God for help…may God watch over us all & let us see better days or strengthen us for what is before us…your affect. mother, A. K."
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