Raynors HCA 2020-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020
A great impression of a Union's thoughts on the result in the army of the Emancipation Proclamation, 3 1/2pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Elmore A. Russell, Co. F, 85th Penn. Vols., "Camp near Newbern, N. C.", Jan. 20, 1863, to his friend William O. Harvey, reading, in part: "…you will be surprised to learn that we are in North Carolina…we left Suffolk on the 29th of last month…a ride on the ocean…made some of us seasick…you wished to know what I and the soldiers…think of the President's Emancipation Proclamation. I think that the president honestly intended it as a military necessity, but…it has not had the effect the president intended…the soldiers…are down on it heavy especially the part directing the negroes to be received into the armed service of the United States. The last part…had better been left out for whenever we get so hard up for soldiers as to have to get the infernal niggers to carry the stars and stripes we had better quit…if the president had not issued his Emancipation Proclamation the army would now be in far better spirits than it is [and] there are a great many better expressions used against the president's proclamation and prophesies of an evil result among the soldiers [now] but I sincerely hope it will turn out for the best…tell me what is the general opinions on this subject at home…direct to Co. F, 85th Reg. P. V…E. A. Russell." Light toning, else VG
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