I Am Getting To Be Quite An Abolitionist And Not A Humbug.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019

A war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Ward T. Clark, Co. G, 11th New Hampshire Vols., Newport News, Va., Feb. 24, 1863, to his sister, reading, in part: "…our Col. got back last night. He has been gone from the Reg. five or six weeks. The band serenaded him last night and he made a speech, a good one too and if the Democrats did not get some…he is for peace on no terms but an unconditional surrender on the part of the South. He said, "let them croak-there never had been a war but what there was a set of croakers that were crying out that we could never subdue the enemy and that we would have to give them all they asked." He said we had control of more than 1/2 of the territory they claimed now and in six months we would have all the rest and get back to N. H….I hope he will not prove a false profit. I think he would make a first-rate governor…he is a strong Union man and I never heard a better or a stronger Union speech than he did last night. Some of the Hunters in the Reg. say they would vote for Gilmore before they would vote for him. That he is a traitor etc., etc. These are the ones that have found out that they are fighting for the Nigger and not the Union. I do not see things in that light yet, neither "that we were a pack of cowards for enlisting." Nor do I feel that I don't care how the thing is settled." If I can get home is all I care for. I had as live life under England…rather than under Republican rule." Nor do I wish that all the soldiers would stack their arms and say they would not fight any longer…I am not sorry that I enlisted. I would not take a discharge if I was offered [one] to me as long as I am well…I should be as glad…as…to get home but I want to see this rebellion put down and I think I am doing my duty induing what little I can to put it down. I have not seen anything to alter my political views only the effects of slavery…& I am getting to be quite an Abolitionist and not a Humbug." Unsigned, but the original stamped transmittal cover is included. Overall VG.

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