Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A wonderful war-date Southern mother's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by "A. K.", [Anne (Potter) Kidder], Masonborough, [Masonboro, N. C.], Nov. 10, 1862, 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: "…what a different summer you have passed from us. We remained in town through an exceedingly hot one until the fever appeared & then flew any where to escape the dreadful pestilence, 700 deaths after nearly all had left that could get away…it was awful, none of us dared go near town. When we actually required anything [we] sent servants as they did not take the fever as the whites did. Grandma has gone to the back part of the state…we dare not go home until the ground freezes. Many of our friends are gone. Some families nearly swept away…may a merciful God withdraw his judgments from us or we shall be destroyed as a people. The war & pestilence have nearly done its work. May we be spared the famine. I fear often I shall never see you all again…this thought has nearly made me wild. We are at the Parsly's place as his family are up country-people have gone anywhere-in huts, tents-any kind of shelter. Many have suffered for comforts & even necessities. I often…look at the ocean…few days since an English vessel attempted to run the Blockade when nearly opposite our house. They saw her and commenced firing [at] her. She beached very near & the shells & shot were flying over our heads all day. That night they fired her. Your Papa & some others took a boat & went to the banks where they spent most of the night quite to my discomfort, but several boat crews from the Blockader were taken prisoners by a cavalry company who had got there soon after they landed. We frequently see them take vessels. When will this terrible war end? We dread the winter…I ma glad you are in your own class in college, but wish you roomed with Nate…a few evening since there were several gentlemen singing some of our National songs when one voice reminded me of his only not quite as strong…so we concluded it would not compare…your Papa with another gentleman gone hunting while Polly is out scolding some of the young servants…so my darling you can picture us this eve of a delightful fall day…A. K." VG
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