Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A touching and passionate war-date Southern Belle's letter, 8pp. 8vo., written by Sue Kidder, "Wrightsville near Wilmington," N. C., Aug. 24,1862, to her college student brother 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: "A steamer leaves tomorrow for Nassau…Mr. Everett is going out in the steamer and has kindly offered to take letters for me. He will probably remain there some weeks…if you write to me and send your letters to Nassau he will bring it on for me provided the Yankees don't catch him…so many sad changes have taken place since I last wrote…first our saddest, greatest shock of the war…was the death of your old friend Willie Wooster [Capt. William A. Wooser, Co. I, 18th North Carolina, KIA Frazier's Farm, Va., 6/30/62]. He was killed instantly at the battle of Richmond on the Monday of the fight. He had changed so much since he went to college. I wish you could have seen him once; he was everything, bright and noble and of all my most intimate gentleman friends…it seems hard Eddie that he should be taken. John Wooster was wounded terribly [Captain John L. Wooster, Co. E, 1st North Carolina, WIA Malvern Hill, Va., 7/1/62]. It is now hoped, however, that he will recover & I sincerely hope so. Jimmy Wright [1st N. C., KIA Ellerson's Mill, Va., 6/26/62], Duncan Moore, Mr. Ghaston Measures were all instantly killed. A great many of your intimate friends were wounded. If Georgie only comes out of this with his life I will be thankful, but if he should not you would never see me at the north again. I am bitter enough now…write just anything you please by way of Nassau for if the vessels is taken letters are all destroyed…we see the Yankee blockers off the banks nearly every day. I often wonder if there is anyone on board whom I [know]…we are constantly on the lookout for an attack from them and will do all we can to keep them off…tell Jamie Lewis we were delighted to hear of his graduating with so much honor…I know he is not a mean old abolitionist. He always used to tell me that he would never fight against the south…however if all are drafted he will hardly escape. If such a thing should happen Eddie the best place for you will be Europe…our men will never give up. Oh! eddie you can have no idea of the determination and courage of our brave soldiers. They give up cheerfully so many of them have been robbed of their homes…poor John Barry was wounded at the time Willie was killed. They were as devoted as brothers and since Willie's death I have corresponded with him. He is in [Stonewall] Jackson's army. Tell Jamie Lewis…if he should be drafted buy a substitute if it takes his last cent; never fight in such an unholy, unjust cause. How many poor fellows already regret it. I reckon Mr. Abe [Lincoln's] also feels sorry. Don't you think he does?…write me…don't be afraid to say just what you want to…Sue." VG
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.