2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
A Confederate civilian's tightly written, 4pp. letter written by William Crutcher, a commercial merchant operating out of Vicksburg under the name "Crutcher & Co." to his eldest son, William Oscar Crutcher (1838-1866) who raised his own company of men in 1861 known as the "King Cotton Guards" which eventually became identified as Co. E, 48th Mississippi Infantry. Datelined June 6, 1864, San Antonio. In part, "I learn that you were well and judge from the tone that you are pretty well satisfied with your command and situation though at the same time you do not speak very favorably of your discipline or order of your men. Now, my son, I have been greatly uneasy and solicitous about this very matter on your account for I have had much fear that you might not find such company as I would like for you to mix and mingle with for rest assured the greatest anxiety I have is about your morals and religious life, for if we are ever so successful in this war and gain our independence on the most favorable terms, if our young men on whom will depend the management both moral and political should become corrupt in morals and religion and have not a proper sense of duty to God and their country, we have not then even gained anything. ... I expect to leave for Shreveport on next Wednesday and from thence to Alabama. .. I shall have a very hot and long ride, I know, but a sense of duty to my children impels me onward.... I know but little that is going on about this city and therefore has no news. The news from the other side of the [Mississippi] river is still good although General Lee has fallen back to Richmond or where the Battle of the Seven Pines were fought, but all are hopeful. It is said that Johnston has whipped Sherman but the particulars we have not gotten. ..." The son, William Oscar Crutcher was commissioned into "E" Co. MS 48th Infantry as a Captain. He surrendered at Appomattox Court House, VA.
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