2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
Autograph Letter Signed, "J.M. Marsh" 3p. octavo, Quincy, Massachusetts, May 7, 1861, with clever salutation "Mr. Samuel A. Nightingale, past member of the A.L. Association, present member of H.L. Guards, Fort Monroe, Va.". and reads in part: "We were much surprised to hear that you had enlisted in the service of the country at the first summons, but when we consider that your Grandfather and great Grandfather served in the first revolution, we became satisfied that the spirit of the Father had descended to the children to third & fourth generation. Since you left, the excitement here has run to fever heat; the stars & stripes meet the eye at every turn, money flows like water, and men rush to arms as in the days of Washington and Warren. President Lincoln has just called for 80,000 additional troops, which will be forthcoming at once. Rest assured that this contest in which you have engaged (actuated I know by a noble motive) though it may be severe, cannot be doubtful. The people of the free states are a unit and secession must succumb. I understand that more Quincy boys are to leave for Fort Monroe this week. Our best wishes go with them. I sometimes feel as though it was wrong for me to stay at home and let others do the fighting, but my turn may soon come. In these times. we know not what a day may bring forth. The Hon. C.F. Adams [Charles Francis Adams, appointed by Pres. Lincoln as Minister to England] left for England May 1st. His son, J. Quincy was married the night previous. He is a Lieutenant in a Boston Co. which is on duty at Fort Independence. Fort Warren (George's Island) is now occupied by volunteers and more will go there for drill as soon as they can be accommodated. John A. Andrews [Gov. of Mass.] has won laurels by the zeal and energy he has displayed in this crisis. Rest assured that nothing which he can do to promote the welfare of the troops will be left undone...I know it is much easier to sit here and write about patriotism than it is to do a soldier's duty and live a soldier's life, but thinking that a word of encouragement might not be out of place, I['ve] written these few lines to remind you that you are not forgotten...". Fine.
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.