Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Altus H. Jewel [WIA Fredericksburg, Va., May 3, 1863], Co. E, 77th New York Vols., "Provost Marshals Office, Danville, Va., May 7, 1865," in part: "…I have a squad of 10 men…we have all kinds of duty to do…we picked up about 30 Negroes that were loitering about the streets & made them sweep up all the dirt around the streets in front of the different headquarters. We have to take out prisoners…that are under arrest for different crimes…& make them work at anything that is wanted. We…have to stay close to the office is case we should be wanted…the prospect is…we will be shipped to Washington…about my arresting a citizen…I was out with some prisoners cleaning up some dirt & I heard a man say 'God damn Niger, if you don't tell me where my horse is. I will kill you dead right here.'…he was trying to scare the Negro…he had a gun barrel in his hands. He quarreled with the Negro…& struck at him with both hands with the barrel. The Negro dodged. He hit him on the side of the head & knocked him down. If he had hit him on the top of the head he would [had] killed him…the boys hollers "arrest him, Sergeant." He started off at a lively walk when he heard it. I put after him on the run & caught him…the Provost Marshal sent me, with him, to the jail & [I] locked him up. The girls here in the South have violent qualities such as smoking & chewing tobacco. I have seen bright, intelligent-looking girls…chewing tobacco & smoking. Nice habits for anybody, especially ladies…the South lost a friend when Old Abe was shot & the citizens thinks so too. They know that the rebels destroyed Andy Johnson's property because he was a Union man…they know that he will be harder with them…if Lincoln had more time…Old Jeff would have been pardoned if he is caught, but…Johnson will hand him. The church bells are ringing for church…stores are opened here & there is a daily paper printed called the '6th Corps."…Altus….". An original stamped transmittal cover is included. Minor soiling, else VG
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