2021-10 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/15/2021
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 2pp. oblong 8vo., written by Pvt. James O. Johnson, Co. H, 138th Ohio Vols., [n. p., n. d., but City Point, Va., July 14, 1864] to his brother, in part: "Dear Brother, I just rec. your letter of the 7th. You say - that you can procure me a substitute for $400. Well Cris I should like to be certain of getting out of this scrape first. If he would wait there is a good many dangers in our way here. We - hope for the best though this is the 14th. I think we will start hoe if alls well in 16 or 20 days. Now if it should happen to be my fate to fall by the way I should like my family to have the benefit of the money [but] trust that I may get home. However again my health is poor rather and I might be exempt - if I live to get home I will never go soldiering again if I can help it - my constitution is not strong enough to stand it and I don't like it no how - if you are satisfied that the draft is going to take place soon and the substitute will not wait till I get home you perhaps had better hire him. He of course will not have to go though till I get homes that would be having two in the field for the same offense - of being an American. Cris, - a substitute must be a person not eligible to the draft otherwise I have to fill his place when the draft comes off. He must also be accepted by the Provost Marshal in my stead for 3 yrs. Now if you think it best to go ahead and hire one please ascertain all the facts in the case and try to get him to wait for the money if you can till I see whether I come up all right from this 100 days when he can have the cash. Col. Jones I suppose will give you all the information necessary to act in the matter - Your Brother James Johnson." An original transmittal cover addressed to his brother is also included. Minor soiling, else VG
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