Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
Union General's letter written by Brevet Major General Thomas Howard Ruger (1833-1907), as colonel of the 3rd Wisconsin Vols., 4pp. 4to., "Camp near Edinburg, Va., April 13, 1862," to his wife, in part: "…we are not at Manassas. Gen. Abercrombie went to Manassas. Whether he will rejoin us I do not know. You speak of a lecture by Wendell PHillips on the war. He is just about as fit to deliver a lecture on the war as [South Carolina fire eater] Yancey. If Wendell Phillips and all that tribe…wished well to their country why did not some of them come to the war. It is easy to talk…he and his tribe care no more for the Constitution…than the Secessionists …not very many years ago…Wendell Phillips wrote an argument to prove that the Constitution protected slavery, that slavery could not constitutionally be abolished in the states were it existed…he has never been in favor of the Union and now his only gratification is that slavery receives blows, not that the government is being sustained. He has…been somewhat countenanced by good man…by reason of the strong anti-slavery feeling that has sprung into life from the aggressions of the slave element, the same as temporary employed…in a good cause…if the South had not tried to extend slavery, not have rebelled where would a true lover of his country be found who would have advocated the interference…of Congress for the overthrow of slavery. When this rebellion is put down…the country can give the matter due consideration [and] slavery may be dealt a death blow in a Constitutional manner by confiscating the slaves of the rebels. The whole power of the government should now be directed to the overthrow of the rebellion. Any law…passed on the subject would be without effect except where our armies have entire control. Did Wendell Phillips express sympathy for the leaders…or try to find fault…the idea of Phillips who can know but little of the great military problem being worked out, criticizing McClellan is annoying. The entire army…have great confidence in their general…we came near being defeated at Pittsburg Landing. Our cheers and music over the news must have been heard by the rebels…and made them wonder what new disaster had befallen them. They are mean fighters, sneaking like the Mexicans, crawling about to shoot pickety…Gen. Rosecrans is in Winchester whether he is coming here to take command…I do not know. The next few weeks must be very important in results. If we are everywhere successful the war will be decided…Howard." Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover, with a blue "Banks' Division" postage cancellation mark, addressed: "Mrs. T. H. Ruger. Care of H. R. Moore & Sons, Beloit, Wisconsin." Near fine.
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