Union Family Makes Army Shoes For The Cause While Writing Their Soldier Boy

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009

A great Union home front early war-date letter collection, consisting of 15 letters, written by the immediate family of Pvt. Rufus Robbins, Co. K, 7th Mass. Vols. bringing him news front home such as making army shoes at home and of those who are enlisting while also voicing their concern that he come home safe. These letters are written between June 1861 through August 1862, total nearly 55 pp., and read, in very small part: "…[father, Abington, Mass., June 20, 1861]…C[harles] Shaw [7th Mass. Vols.] has enlisted in the Fall River company. He was here today dressed in full overcoat and all…[sister, Ruth, Aug. 4]…I did not then know what regiment you belonged to and was fearful that you might have been in that great battle…Albert…belongs to the first Me. Regiment. They enlisted for three months…[brother Edwin, Aug. 7]…I am making sewed army shoes for J. Lane & Co…I went to see Mr. Samuel P. Reed [and[ saw him make one shoe. [I] thought I could do it [and] came home, cut me out a pair from some large pieces of bottom filling and made them…they did not look very well…I thought of hiring a man to sew and stick and I do the finishing…met with no success…was told by Josh that I could make them as well as anybody. [I] stopped at J. lanes told him what Josh said asked him for a case…have made 4 prs like them very much…[father, Abington, Aug. 14]…business is as dead here as it was when you went away nothing but army shoes making and they mostly sewed…[father, Abington, Sept. 1, 61]…we read the daily as it comes to us and keep ourselves acquainted with the movements of things in and about Washington, but do not often see your regiment mentioned. You wrote you were digging trenches…I suppose against an attack…there are to be heavy guns planted there…are you going to learn to use them as artillerist…we read…the rebel s are about to make a movement upon you…I hope you are ready for them and that our troops will give a good account of themselves. I…wish I was there to do my part…army shoes are brisk (sewed) pegged workmen are learning to sew. There are no pegged shoes to be had…they pay as high for the best as 50 cts & 55 pr. pair. Edwin expects that for those he is now making. He has 4 or 5 workmen. Frank's father…make 7 prs per day…do you having meetings in camp…your company has the name of being the best…as regards [to] moral principles…[sister, Ruth, Sept. 1]…Hiram has gone over to canton…to carry Columbus to join his company…he belongs to the eight regiment. Horatio Bisby is the captain…I am afraid Columbus will be homesick…we only had four days notice of his going. He signed the papers last Wednesday. Capt. B. was in the battle of bulls run. He belonged to a Mass regiment. He says he only wants to get a chance at them again…[mother, Sept. 7, 61]…we received one from Hiram…informing us of his intention of enlisting for the war…[he] should go with Albert. Fred and Columbus had gone to Augusta to join a company…tell us who is in your mess…and whether the officers have to do any digging or hard work…who is Colo of the regiment…that [Darius] Couch was promoted…[sister Sophia, n. d.]…Edwin carried in his shoes last Monday. He got 15 pr more from Mr. Lanes and 12 pr from N. Beal. Mother is sewing Mr. Lanes shoes. Uncle Partridge and Judson are making sewed shoes for a man in Joppa…[sister, Ruth, Dec. 22, 1861]…I received your last letters…containing your picture…Alice called it the president at first, then she said it was Uncle Rufus…your moustache and soldier cloths make you look first rate…[sister, Ruth, April 27, 1862]…Albert has been promoted to second lieutenant…Hiram says he dreads the snakes more than the rebels…I am fearful that you are before Yorktown…I hope that your courage is good…we know that all things are ordered for the best…[sister, Ruth, June 22, 1862]…I saw in my paper…an account of the battle in which your division was engaged I did not know until then that you were there…I have looked anxiously every mail for a letter from you…Oh I shall be so glad when this wicked war is ended…were there any in your company killed or wounded…what were your feelings…[sister, Ruth, Aug. 24, 1862]…Hiram…has been highly favored in not having to be in battle…I fear their turn will come yet…[I] trust that you will live to tell us of the great battles you have been in…I hope the North will never leave the field until the rebellion is entirely crushed…as long there is slavery there will be rebellion…". Much more interesting content. Usual wear, else very good.

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