Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
An ultra rare Confederate courier's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Henry Jackson Cooper (1839-1908), 39th Virginia Cavalry Battalion, [General Robert E. Lee's personal body guard], "Camp 39th Bt. of Scouts, Guides, Couriers, near Orange Court House, [Va.], March, 27, 1864", addressed to his female friend as "Dear Miss" who most likely is Miss. Mary Margaret Rudolph (1840-1886) whom he married in 1867. The 39th was raised in late 1862 and mustered into service in October of that year. It was attached to General Robert E. Lee's headquarters and served for the remainder of the war as his personal cavalry command and body guard. The unit is also known as Richardson's Battalion of Scouts, Guides and Couriers. His letter reads, in part: "…in the fall of 1860 I had the pleasure of your company to Cedar Creek Church and back…I promised to come over to your next big meeting…something come in the way…I have been out most of the time since the men were first called out. I did not volunteer until the eleventh of October [1862]…since then I have been at home but a few days…I hope the time is not far distant when the roar of musketry and cannon will be heard no more and those that are spared can return to their homes and friends. I did not expect to have to under go so many hardships when we was talking about the war that Old Abe would bring on us. It was a…jester then, but [now] it has brought sorrow on many a family…I have escaped so far…but make very little calculation on seeing the end of the war…direct to Henry J. Cooper ace of Capt. A. P. Piper, General R. E. Lee's Headquarters, Army of Northern Va." Slight mouse chew, else VG.
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