Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 8 1/2pp. 4to., written, on four separate pre-printed United States travel account forms, by Corp. Moses F. Whittemore, Co. C, 51st Ohio Vols., Lunette Rousseau, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 16, 1864, in part: "…on the 16th of Jan. 1840 I was born…I consider the goodness & mercy of God which has followed & protected me through…both civil and military life…who has almost miraculously, on two occasions spared my life…has caused deadly missiles of the enemy to pass to the right & left…I thank Almighty God that I can truly say that I have not been guilty in a single instance since I have been in the army of committing either one of the four leading sins of every army namely, profanity, intemperance, gambling & adultery. I don't know how others would feel, but it gives me more pleasure to be able to say this than it would to know that In was lord of the world…this is indeed an eventful age; the sword is carrying carnage & destruction into…our own native land. A million men have seized the weapons of death and meeting in deadly conflict are strewing our lovely plains with the dead and dying; wives are mourning the loss of husbands…mothers are bereft of sons….in short we are engaged in the most stupendous and important conflict…ever known in the history of the world…what object is to be attained to compensate for this loss of blood…what are we fighting for? These are questions…of vital importance…to all civilized nations of earth. The nations of Europe are watching…to see whether man is capable of self government…we are engaged in a work which concerns, not only this generation which will soon pass away but of generations yet unborn…let us look through the storms, troubles & trials of this sinful world to that land where all is peace…where war & strife are never known…I bid you farewell & if we are not permitted to meet again on earth may we form an unbroken family around the throne of God." Signed three times "Moses Whittemore". Expected wear, 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.