Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A wonderful war-date Southern mother's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by "A. K.", [Anne (Potter) Kidder], Wilmington, [ N. C.], June 5, 1861, to her college student son Edward Kidder. Edward was one of the few Southerners who did not leave Harvard College following the outbreak of the Civil War, reading, in part: "…I do so think of you & my darling boys that [I] feel…as though I could not stand it to be separated from you all…if G[eorgie] was only with you I should not be as anxious as I am. Sometimes I am almost inclined to send him to Uncle G. or yourself to study for a short time longer. What is toy become of him. I do not know…Mr. Calhoun read me a letter fro his brother & it made my heart ache to think our children are made to suffer & no help for it…my precious child bear it if possible…teachers show very little goodness of heart to try a boy's feelings as Prof. F. must have done his & perhaps all of you…our circle of friends is very small & diminishes everyday. I have no intimates…there is no sympathy for Northern people here now. Everything has to go for Secession or you are looked upon with suspicion. How can we live here this way? I feel alone, visit none & live in constant dread of, I know not what. This in our free & noble country. Polly [her servant] says "There is no use trying to live this fashion" & I feel so most thoroughly. Oh! if G. was with you…he is in danger. He knows not [what] to do with himself. Grandpapa wishes him away. Oh that a merciful Providence would direct us…poor Sue this is a sad termination to her schooldays. I candidly think we should be happier north, even living as plain as possible, but your Papa must decide…we must leave it all with God. May he help us…your affect. mother, A. K." VG
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