Raynors HCA 2019-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2019
A rare instance by a Union soldier of using patriotic stationery to send a letter home at the end of the war, and the first we have seen! Gibble, writes from Alexandria, Va., July 7, 1865 using, colorfully graphic, 3pp. 8vo., "The Union Wagon" patriotic stationery by R. B. Nichol, Washington, to his friend Henry C. Gringrich, in part: "…I was taken through mismanagement of some incompetent officer [but] still throughout he trip I had the pleasure to see a good deal of the eastern country and large cities. I am now back…with my command and found the men much dissatisfied for not getting their discharges. There was much excitement amongst them…they stacked arms and burned down all the sutler's shops and raised all kind of disturbances. The officers cant keep them [under] order any more. They are afraid of getting killed or crippled. The officers tried to form a torch light procession on the night of the 3rd but after it was formed. They tried to make a division drill of it. The men got tired and left the ranks and went all directions each [with] a candle in his hand. The officers were left in the field without men. Such is the case. They cant keep order anymore. The war is over and the men will not obey orders any longer…we will be mustered out in a few days…I was waiting for this [the] last 4 years…they will also make an end of 4 of the Conspirators of our Lamented Abe Lincoln, but I think hanging is too good for them…I hope they will be tormented after their death by a more sever tribunal when all will be tried according to their deeds done etc…[then in reference to his use of this stationery]…we are agoing to fetch the whole Union Wagon home, although one part (the South) much shattered and some fragments lost…H. Gibble." Minor soiling and light toning, else VG
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