Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
A touching Confederate soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. John W. Screws, Co. A, 15th Alabama, Richmond, Va., Jan. 29, 1865, to Miss. E. Josephine "Joe" Pearson, Rolling Hill, Alabama, reading, in very small part: "…I am still in the land of the living. I was on the road ten (10) days. My trip was a very disagreeable one…it has been two weeks…since I saw you and it seems nearer two years…I dream of you often and the many pleasant hours we have spent together. I had my fortune told in Geo[rgia] as I came on and you may rest assured it was a good one. (It was told by a lady.) She said I was engaged to a lady and I loved her better than I did myself. She described her to perfection. She said I would be in one more big fight, but would not be killed and that I would be at home in two months, but would not be able to walk when I got home. She also told me I would marry in a short time. Miss. Joe, I have neither time nor space to tell you half she told…I will comply with my promise as soon as I am allowed to go to Richmond as regards my ambrotype. I am a prisoner therefor I am confounded to the limits of the camp. I think I will soon be released. I do not apprehend any danger. It is for over staying [my] time. The weather is extremely cold…the boys are having a fine time skating on the ice of the James River…we are going to have peace here in a short time. Is this not good news? [The previous day Jeff Davis appointed three high ranking members of the CSA government to act as Peace Commissioners with Union authorities.]…I have not sen my Richmond sweetheart neither do I expect to see her anymore. Another word about the fortune teller. She said I had several presents my sweetheart gave me. So long as I am in the army will not forget this day two weeks ago…how would you like to go to a party at Mt. S. Those times and the present are quite different with me though I enjoy myself as well as could be expected of a man so desperately in love…as ever your true and devoted lover. As ever, Jno." Sergeant Screws writes soon after returning to his command following a lengthy stay at home while recovering from a severe wound he received at the battle of Darbytown Road, Va., on August 16, 1864. Before being wounded he was detailed as chief of commissary wagons in the city of Richmond and it is no doubt that during that time he developed a friendship with his "Richmond sweetheart" whom he now promises never to see again. The original transmittal cover is also included. Light spotting, else VG.
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