Raynors 2020-05 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2020
Confederate officer's letter, 2pp. 8vo., written by 1st Lt. Abner Newton Steele, [KIA Glendale, Va., June 30, 1862], Co. G (North Port Rifles), 11th Alabama Infantry, "Camps near Lewis House, Va.", Feb. 2, 1862, to his wife Eleanor Caroline (Thompson) Steele (1825-1906), in part: "…we had quite an exciting election yesterday for 3d Lieut. Newt Hays and John Hughes were the candidates. John Hughs [WIA Sharpsburg & Gettysburg] was elected by 10 votes. There is a regulation made to send one officer home from each company to recruit for the regiment. When Col. Moore [former Alabama Congressman and Alabama militia general, Sydenham Moore MWIA Seven Pines, Va., 31, 62] came back. He pitched in to get it for Capt. [Joseph E.] McMath [WIA Salem Church, Va., 5/03/63]. I don't know whether he will succeed or not as the laws says a Lieut. must be sent. Col. Moore has treated me very unkindly in the matter. I intend to defeat them if I can though I am afraid it is too late and it is not much use in a Lieut. bucking against a Col. & Capt. When did old man Grant write…tell him Ran and myself are in the War and he will have to wait a while longer for his money and if the Yanks whips us we never can pay him. I know nothing about his buggy…my chance for getting home is very bad. If I cant get off by spring or summer, you must fix your arrangements to come on here. There is no chance of getting a furlough…get Cook Judge Moody or some other influential men to write to the Governor of Ala. that he and Mr. Walker are securities for me on a guardian bond as guardian for two young ladies and one of them has married since I volunteered…it has become necessary to divide the property and…make an annual settlement which can not be done without my presence therefore…ask that he (the Governor) demand of the Secretary of War a furlough of fifty days…to…attend to the business so as not to endanger them as securities. Old Bob Jamison would be a good hand. One trick of that kind has been worked in our regiment. Your father might try it if he is disposed to do so…A. N. Steele." Light toning, else VG.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.