2021-05 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2021
An unusual sexually preoccupied Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by thirty something Pvt. Richard "Dick" G. Ketchum, Co. H, 21st New York Cavalry, "U. S. A. G[eneral] H[ospital], Frederick, Md., June 19, 1865," to his brother concerning his luck among the ladies, in part: "àthey don't want me to go yet. They say they cant get along without meàthe girls are trying hard to nab me for a husband. There is forty seven of them after me. Yesterday two girls came in and enquired for me but another girl had me to her house. She is [a] very steady girl too and hard working one. She is so small that I could carry her home without setting her downàshe loves me betteràthan any other girlsàthere is another one whose father is so rich that he wont work and her mother is so fat that she takes off all her clothing but her shimns and hoopsàthis girl is only thirteen years old and she is as big as Mary. I took her age at twenty six now I think I better leave hereàbefore I starts I think of going to Penn. to see Minnie and her brotheràhe has come home from Rebs prison. He was as large as John but now he only weighs eighty lbsàit will be six months before he is like he wasàI will send you a letter from themàI have so many letters I shall have to burn most of it before I leavedàI have got to drive four horse team for the people here next Saturday to a spreeàI wish I had five thousand chickensàI could sell them in Balt. for one dollar per pairàthe people hereàgets thirty cent a piece for themàDick." Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover, addressed: "Jesse W. KetchumàOntario Co., N. Y." It is not uncommon for the Civil War soldier, either Northern or Southern to discuss romance in their letters, but this guy takes it one step further and he knows it. Minor toning, else VG
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