2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
A good war-date Union soldier's letter written by Sgt. Jordan C. Harriss, Co. A, 81st Illinois Vols., 81st Illinois Infantry, 4p. octavo, Vicksburg, Mississippi, March 1, 1864, with cover, and reads in part: "…we are doing better in a religious point of view. Within the past 24 hours I have had gratification in my heart by two of my esteemed friends of this company giving me their hands promising me never to play cards any more & that they would try to do better. Heretofore they have spent much time at the card table, I thank God for their good resolutions & pray that they may entirely break away from their sins & find Peace in believing in the Lord & forsaking their wicked ways….Gen Sherman & Staff have returned to Vicksburg. We expect that our Army corps will be back before long…You confirmed my suspicions in your answer to my inquiry in regard to your being an abolitionist. I think my feelings & yours on this subject coincide throughout. Never think that I'm in favor of elevating the Negro in such a way as to degrade the white man, I want if it is possible for all the different races to live in different portions of country…I learn that our army that left here has been very successful capturing several hundred prisoners & about 9,000 negroes…" VG. Harriss was captured with a majority of his regiment at Guntown, Miss. on June 10, 1864 and sent to Andersonville prison. After his exchange, he was mustered out with his regiment at the end of the war.
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