2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Autograph Letter Signed, “Ivan Vahter” 3p. octavo, July 17, 1863, and reads in part: “...today the city was very quiet last night but little disturbance - in any part. The miliary are arriving fast, and every section of the city will be thoroughly covered by the soldiers. The 7th Reg. has for its security from 7th st. to 65 & from 1st almost to East River which covers the worst district. Some of the leaders have been arrested & turned over to the authorities. Today policemen go their rounds, which is the first time since Monday. Dick stayed at our house last night, he has been all around during these riots to hear & see what was doing, he says that the mob did no damage to Stuart’s stores, because he sent the ship load of corn to Ireland, so he put his money out at good interest. I saw Charley Spencer yesterday if the riots stop we shall leave Tuesday. ...why the mob did not got to Wall St. and attack the Treasury hwere ther was on Monday 200 millions in Gold & Bills he said they were afraid of the gun boat which was anchored off Wall St. whose guns covered the street, besides the guns & soldiers who are now there. I do not think we shall be called on again to do military service...” Fine. The New York Draft Riots (July 11 to July 16, 1863; known at the time as Draft Week), were violent disturbances in New York City that were the culmination of discontent with new laws passed by Congress to draft men to fight in the ongoing American Civil War. The riots were the largest civil insurrection in American history apart from the Civil War itself. President Abraham Lincoln sent several regiments of militia and volunteer troops to control the city. The rioters numbered in the thousands and were mainly Irish. Smaller scale riots erupted in other cities about the same time.
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.