Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
.A good war-date Southern citizen's letter, 4pp. 8vo., by most-likely clergyman "Lewis", Patrick Court House, Va., March 24, 1862, to "Miss. Mollie Wise Taylor of Fredericksburg, Va., on valentine stationery, reading, in part: "I was never more delighted than I was yesterday…when the mail came and brought…the welcome tidings that you have escaped the Yankees and am safe at Fredericksburg. I received your letter…informing me that our army was falling back from the Potomac and my spirits sunk about ten degrees. I thought…the Yankees would cut off all means of escape and then I would never hear from my Mollie again. I became so exceedingly, "blue" that I went and sought the sympathy of Miss. Sybella Moir. Se said she could enter fully into my feelings for her sweetheart was in the fight at Newbern, N. C. and she did not know, but what he was killed. I would willingly have wept, but the fountain of my tears were dried up and my heart alone. I am glad indeed you are safe from the Yankees and are comfortably situated…the Yankees are mustering powerful armies against us, but my trust is in God…I firmly believe he will soon interpose in such a manner as to stop this unholy war. Tomorrow morning the militia will leave this place…for Norfolk. Wives, mothers and sisters will renew the wail over the departure of husbands, sons, and brothers. Oh! The horrors of war! We have met with some reverses but I think the tide will soon turn in our favor again. Didn't the old Merrimac do her work finely? If we had twenty such vessels we could raise the blockade, shell Washington and burn New York…from what I have heard of Fredericksburg is somewhat fastidious. I don't think I would like the situation on that account. I was amused at the 'fast young lady' you mentioned. I have reproached myself several times for not urging upon you the consummation of our union at an early day as…you would be safe from the Yankees…I would now propose an early day, but amid the excitement of war I hardly know what to do as I may have to shoulder my rifle or musket and go in defense of my country. I sometimes wish I had raised a company and gone into the war. I acted according to the advise of my spiritual advisors. I do not feel satisfied to see my fiends all leaving and myself remaining behind. I do not feel much encouraged; for the people's minds are so engaged in the war that they seem to pay very little attention to worship yet something ought to be down to counteract the demoralizing effects of war…my brother George has gotten well and gone back to the army…it it digressing to think he has to go. I wish I was with him…ever yours, Lewis." The original "Paid 5" transmittal cover is included that bear a rare "Patrick C. H. Va." postmark. Overall VG.
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