Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
A great war-date Confederate officer's letter by sixty-year-old Capt. George W. Gordon who commanded a company of men from Maury County, TN in the 48th Tennessee. The regiment was captured during Grant's attack upon Fort Donelson in February 1862, but shortly after exchange Gordon died from the effects of imprisonment. He writes, 3pp. 4to., from "Camp Bradley", Clarksville, Tenn. Dec. 26, 1861, to "my dear daughter & son", in part: "…I am here in the capacity of a soldier-having volunteered for twelve months to serve the country in this unholy war that is now desolating the country of a once great government & people. I am a Capt. of a volunteer corps and [am] now in command of this place. We left home about 2 weeks since…I don't know how long we may remain here or what our destination [eventually Fort Henry, Tenn.] Jack & Willie are at Bowling Green, Ky….we are upon the eve of a big fight. There are large bodies of troops on both sides near to each other in Kentucky…we are expecting every day to hear of a bloody conflict. There are skirmishes every few days…there was a pretty serious one a short time since in which we lost the brave [?] gallant Terry…Tennessee has now…50,000 men in the service of the country and if the war continues will have many more. The last 20,000 are of the very best mortal men…but Oh my God what a desolotary effect upon the Country! War! Civil War! with all its horrors with all its unchristian and demoralizing effects are upon us…who shall save us? Not man-no my daughter-this war is the Devil's and man's work. We must look to a higher…source for help-for protection and for hope & salvation…God bless you both is my prayer, Geo. W. Gordon". A bit damp stained, else VG
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.