2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Anonymous civilian letter, from a self described “woman ..(of) certain and intense devotion to her country,” June 21, 1861, np., to “Your Excellency” (SC Governor Pickens), 3pp., fine. She asks the governor to deny cadets to serve in the armies of other states most notably Virginia, in part, “It is noticed that the College Cadetds have volunteered for Virginia during their vacation, and rumor says you have refused their petition. It seems the sentiment of the state, the voice of the people, that they should not go. We will need their services here, and almost every home has been darkened by the adsence of some loved one ... I pray you take not away the remaining rays of sunshine from the mother and the widow. We have already given to Virginia our best blood, and in legions ... Carolians occupy in her ranks the post of honor - but of danger too ... these are our jewels and I charge you keep them bright for our own adorment ... warn them to return to their homes and prepare to battle for their own soil ...” No doubt, this letter was in responce to the attempt by the cadets to participate in First Manassas the following month. The South Carolina College Cadets were students at South Carolina College who formed a militia company during antebellum South Carolina and during the Civil War to fight for the Southern cause. They offered their company three times for service in the Confederate army, but were denied each time by Governor Pickens.
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