“You can keep this as the last relic of secessia at New Orleans.”

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2023

Union 3pp. letter written by Story H. Gates who mustered into "A" Co. NH 16th Infantry, out on 8/20/1863 at Concord, NH. Reenlisted, 3/10/1864 he mustered into "A" Co. NH 1st Cavalry, out on 7/15/1865 at Cloud's Mills, VA. Extraordinary headline, "Last Relic" on captured Confederate blue lettersheet with color printed 11 star flag. Date line, July 12, 1863, Carrollton, Louisiana. Letter in full as follows: "Last Relic, My Dear Sara, Two weeks since I was at port Hudson and at that time the flag which is represented at the margin of this sheet was waving in doubtful triumph of over its citadel. Since that time the department of the gulf has been indeed prosperous. Victory has crowded our arms. Port Hudson has fallen & now that great life current of the west & south runs free from rebel invasion. New Orleans feels indeed the relief which is afforded by the opening of the Mississippi. Last night there was a grand outpouring of the union and would be Union people of New Orleans. Speeches. Music. Torchlight procession and other grand demonstration of patriotism come off in grand order and equally good success. I was at the city and we had a good time indeed. I think that New Orleans is all right for the Union now. But a few days since things began to assume rather an unpleasant aspect. People thought that the siege would have to be raised & port Hudson abandoned. But as fortune has it the tide has turned & all is right. I am at work at my papers and have but little time to spare in writing. But as I found by chance this sheet of secesh paper I thought I must just write a few lines. You can keep this as the last relic of secessia at New Orleans. I sent you by mail a piece of music entitled the vacant chair. Have you received it yet? I received your picture but it seems as if you look too sober. Do you really look so all the time. If you do I shall surely have to come and change the countenance to a smile. Could I do it? I have had more pictures made for I am filling an album & I have to give "an eye for an eye". Enclosed you will find a copy of the last edition. It is not in full beard as I intended but people say that it is first rate and that it is a good representation of its subject. Now what think you? I am not in great flesh weighing but 138 but my health id first rate and so long as I feel well I don't "kare how thin I get or how black I am. I don't know to what post Capt. Herbert will be assigned, but hope we shall not have to go far this summer. He is now at Port Hudson. I shall not be through with the papers for ten days or so. You had better not put all the money at Int: for perhaps we may need some for some purpose. Perhaps when I come home I shant have any coat. Love to all, write soon & often Yours affectionally, J Story". Fine to very fine condition.

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