A Union Sailor Writes From Beaufort, North Carolina

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008

A nice war-date Union sailor's letter written by Ordinary Seaman Jim Gifford of New Bedford, Massachusetts, with cover addressed to his parents, 4p. octavo, U.S. Bark Release, January 24, 1864, it reads in part: "….Five months ago…I proceed to the depot to take the cars for Boston for the purpose of taking a look at the bark Release and returned again in the evening. The week just passed has been quite a stirring week with us. In that time we have had a new captain, and have had eight more men added to our crew and two mens time has expired and they are on their way home….Our new captains name is Polly and he belongs in Portland, Maine. He is a very strict man…I went ashore to Beaufort…I had to get a pair of shoes…I saw one of my old friends…Henderson Harvey…I took his place when I first went in with Astley. He is an officer aboard the Fahkee…" VG.

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