2025-01 Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2025
This 4pp. letter is written by a Negro Teamster, “John” to his son, Clarence. Datelined U.S. Egineer, Camp Franklin, August 1, 1862. In part, “I am in my tent and I thought that I promised to rite you so I know you would expect a letter from Father. I do not forget you and think about you every day. ... Father thinks about his boys at home and little Clara. Father wants to see his curley headed kids ... I have been at work today at Fort DuPont it is about 3 miles from our camp. ... I suppose you would like to ride too in a mule team. They have large ear ... I do not have any gun now there are lots of cats and dogs. I went to a Negro Meeting last Sunday night. I guess you and John would like to have been there ... Aug 2, it is a fine day and hot enough for butterflies. Clarence there is a blacksmith shop here ... I have been at work in the camp this fornoon ... one of the mules kicked a teamster this morning and hurt him very bad so you see that mules can kick. ... You must ley Mam read this ...” The hand writing is very neat and easy to read. By July 1862, the United States Congress passed a law allowing African Americans to serve in the Union Army as laborers or cooks or wagon drivers. The law still did not allow black soldiers.
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