Raynors HCA 2018-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/21/2018
A great early war-date Southern Belle's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by a certain Sallie to "my dear Puss", Leesburg, [Va., April] 19, 1861, reading, in part: "…I just gave up, felt as if I would die and this morning am so nervous it is with difficulty I can hold my pen [and I] am hurrying to finish before the cars come as every train bring some greater cause of alarm. You cannot…appreciate my feelings as you are in a Southern city and comparatively safe. Here I feel as if I was in the enemy's hands. Leesburg is wild with excitement, business is almost entirely suspended. Mr. Tebbs, captain of the blouson Guards, received orders yesterday to be ready at any moment to start to Harpers Ferry. It is reported…that the Arsenal there was burned last night…I don't fancy war in a foreign country, but when it comes within twenty miles it is terrible…my dear child plea do not think I am a coward…I would be ready to shoulder my gun and go straight to the scene of action and defend with my life my aggrieved country. Don't laugh at me…if I once almost fainted at a pop cracker…I could shoot a gun now without flinching. Virginia, I suppose, has seceded at sat, but not in time to save her honor. She is disgraced…forever. I would love to pack my trunk…and leave her shores…I do wish I was in "Dixie Land." The people here are more patriotic than I expected…with the exception of a few they will live and die for the Southern Confederacy. Bro. Wallace and his wife were to see me…he does not seem to mind the war. Says he is ready to fight if necessary. His wife told me her father and brother had both enlisted since she left…he inquired for you, says he knows you are ready to fight as you are so fearless. They both send their love to you and Wallace…by the way what has become of him. I hope he has not gone to fight. Tell him not to let those horrid old abolitionists kill him…Hattie says I must tell my patriotic Richmond friend that she is learning how to mould bullets…you offer your only pillow for your country's service. I have not a feather…but…a cannon ball that was the plaything of my childhood. That I will cheerfully give to help exterminate our enemies…wonder if Jack and Daniel have been called out. [i] hope a a particular Providence will be over our…loved ones…those I know are in the hands of a merciful God, that he will spare their lives and save our country…I sincerely hope that the President of abolitionists has it not in his power to stop the mails. If he does…I don't know what I shall do…your affectionate Cousin, Sallie." The original stamped transmittal cover addressed: "Miss. Mary E. Sangster, Care of Rev. W. W. Bennett, Richmond, Virginia" with Leesburg, Va., April cancellation is included. 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.