Raynors 2020-05 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2020
A mildly scornful condolence letter written by the father of Confederate General John Caldwell Calhoun Sanders, Dr. Charles Peak Sanders (ca. 1812-1889), 4pp. 4to., Clinton, Ala., Aug. 25, 1862, to Elizabeth C. Steele, wife of 1st Lt. Abner Newton Steele 11th Alabama who was killed during General Longstreet's assault upon the Union position at the battle of Glendale on June 30, 1862, reading, in part: "I avail myself the earliest moment in writing you since my return from Virginia…[and] to visit you as soon as I can…and hope I will be fully able to reconcile you to the [?] of my course in not attending the removal of the remains of your husband at this time as I wrote you…from Richmond. The incompleteness…for putting up a corpse as desired [was a] great purpose on the road-difficulty in transportation and the disappointment of so many in reaching home with the remains of their friends were the leading considerations with me. But his grave was not neglected…I have placed there a marble monument to mark the spot now so dear to you…and held in such sacred remembrance. Allow me then to entreat you to become reconciled to the delay…necessary in the accomplishment of your greatest desire-the transfer of his remains to the locality…which you may have determined. Your husband fell nobly…in a noble cause. His last effort was the greatest sacrifice he could make to secure…freedom for yourself, his children and his country. Feel assured then our martyrs can never…be forgotten. Their names are embalmed in every throbbing heart and will ever be rehearsed with the sweetest remembrance. You have no more the supporting arm of a kind husband. Your children no more the guidance of an affectionate Father…our great afflictions have drawn the cords of affection from our bereft families…our country and we individuality owe a debt of gratitude to our noble dead…yours although almost too grievous to be bourne has been sustained by others…too often…husbands had fallen and was buried upon the bloody field with others and no index left to direct her burdened soul to the spot that treasures his remains…your grief should not be indulged to the improvement of your health upon which so much depends. Your friend feel the burden of your grief and have shed tears for you and now in…sympathy, kindly admonish you…in the hour of your greatest trial…C. P. Sanders…". Minor toning, else near fine.
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.