An Electioneering Battle Hardened Confederate Veteran Letter.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2022

War-date Confederate soldier's letter, 2pp. large folio, written by Pvt. James B. Stewart, Co. G, 38th Georgia Infantry, "Camp near Dalton, Geo., Dec. 23, 1863," seeking the captain's support as a candidate in local Georgia election, reading, in part: "I am again writing to you - you will think me quite annoying, but allow me to ask your pardon for troubling you - I look upon you as my friend and as such I write to you though you may be against me in this matter - Lieut. the object of this note is to say - that I have just rec'd a letter from several gentlemen in our county saying they would like for me not to run against Wilson for the following reasons. They say that I am within age of conscription and that the stay at home soldiers and those who have not been in it or the war were not willing to vote for anyone of that age who was in the army to take them out of service. Well, if that is the game they are going to play at home. I think it is getting time the soldiers were helping each other and I am for them this time or Lieut. I should not use this means had not those at home who are opposed to me [and are] electioneering against me - I would ask you to help me - I have written to several of the boys, but have not heard a word from any of them. I wrote to Lieut. [W. H.] Pool & Sergt. [A. M.] Holcombe of Co. A and to I. H. Smith [Isaac H. Smith, POW Fort Stedman, Va., March 25, 1865] of your company. Will you please say to them I am a confident and would like to have their support and influence - say to my friend Capt. [John Grey] Rankin [WIA & POW Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864] I have been looking for a letter from him - I hope he will give me his influence in the race - our friend Dr. Robinson is a candidate for the clerk of the superior court and desires you to help him out all you can. Hoping to hear from you soon - J. B. Steward." Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover, addressed: "Lieut. G. R. Wells, Co. A, 38th Geo. Regt., Richmond, Va." Fully transcribed. Overall VG.

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