Providence Steam Engine 1837

A letter dated 1837, where Thomas H Hazard has written to John Babcock of Providence Steam Engine; regarding closing down his factory to install two new boilers.....signed Thomas H. Hazard,

Potomack Company 1812

Detailed canal construction progress report, dated Georgetown, DC, May 12 1812, from Jonas Thompson, to, "The Honourable President and Directors of the Potomack Company, which was in the early canal business (see history below) based in the Washington DC region. The contents read, in part, as follows: "This will inform you that I am now working at considerable disadvantage for the want of sites for the new locks at the Little Falls. The opening of the foundation of which is a very considerable work nnd by putting it of[f] until the proper season for working on the [Potomac] River, I fear it will very much interfere with that working. It appears by the conduit of Mr. Carleton, while I was last absent, that we shall be able to keep very few hands at work this summer. When I left this place we had about 57 hands, which were hired by the year, a number of which were free coloured men, which Mr. Carleton paid off in order to give them the opportunity of leaving our employ, at the same time observed to Mr. Germain there would not be funds to keep in employ so many hands. From that circumstance I fear the funds are very short, and hope the Company, as soon as convenient, will inform me what number of hands we shall be able to keep in employ during the summer season, that the necessary arrangement be made. I understand that the Company have a free stone quarry at Seneca and a considerable quantity of stone already quarried, which we shall want for the gate jambs of our next locks at the Little Falls. I have had 4 new boats built and the old ones repaired for the use of our working operations, two of which I expect we shall be able to spare from that employ, if it meet the approbation of the Honourable Board. The one I will employ in getting lime down the River for the building of our locks, and the other I will employ in getting free stone from Seneca. And as those boats ascend he River, I will send from our quarry capping stone for the locks at the Great Falls -- if we should not be able to work a considerable force on the River this summer, would it not be advisable to remove the worst obstructions between this place and Harpers Ferry. Our present cap is getting very sickly, in consequence of which I wish to remove it soon. Our loss in tools this past year was considerable. I wish to make the overseers accountable for any tools that may be lost which under their charge; if you approve of it please to make an order to that effect. My services at this moment are necessary on the Shenandoah, but cannot have this place before our works at the locks are commenced. The first installment of the artisans' loan have been paid to the Banks. Mr. Carleton authorized Mr. Laurence to attend that business on behalf of the Company, but I believe there is no one authorized to draw on that fund for the repaying the expense of the works. Mr. Ragan has been under the necessity of purpose for that purpose on the subject of the width of the new locks to be built at the Little Falls. The present locks are eighteen feet wide and will admit two boats at the same time and, of course, will enable the lock keeper to pass one third more boats than if the locks were twelve feet wide, but there are more locks at the Great Falls and only 12 feet wide. More boats could be passed at these locks than could be passed at the Great Falls, if they were only 12 feet wide and in that case one third of the water would be saved. Either will do; please make the choice. I have in my possession way bills for several thousand dollars, which at present are in the possession of Mr. Moss at the Great Falls and no doubt before Mr.Carleton's indisposition took place that he received the way bill for the first freshet ... [signed] Jonas Thompson.

David P. Call of the David P. Call of the 4th Illinois Cavalry

Civil War soldier's letter with wonderful battle content about the war in the west. Written by David P. Call of the 4th Illinois Cavalry, General McLernand's Division, to his friend, dated somewhere in Tennessee March 29, 1862. He describes Commodore Foote's gunboats on the Mississippi capturing Fort Henry, his leaving Cairo by steamboat for Fort Donelson, with a highly descriptive account of the attack and capture of the fort, the role of the 4th Illinois, and the condition of the fort and the rebel defenders. Will then be heading past Corinth where the rebels have made a stand, General Grant with 125,000 troops and Buell coming with more.

Estherville, Iowa 1861

Estherville, Iowa, Aug 7 1861, from Judge Adolphus Jenkins, of Emmett County, to the Samuel J. Kirkwood, the state Governor, stating that local people have no fear of Indian attacks, and do not desire to have troops there for security purposes. He also writes, "of an organized band of horse thieves," from Dakota Territory, who had disguised themselves as Native Americans. The content reads, in part, as follows: "As there is a strong effort being made in this country to raise a decidedly uncalled for excitement in regard to the Indians, and applications are about being made to your excellency to furnish a body of troops to be stationed at this place. Knowing as I do; that there is a decided majority of the inhabitants of this county strongly opposed to movement, I take this occasion to trespass upon upon your notice, to say that there is here a general feeling of security. As far as depredations from the Indians are concerned, we have not more to fear than the settlers about Fort Dodge. The country north of us, upon this river is quite thickly settled for over thirty miles; much more so than it is between here and Fort Dodge. To the west of us are considerable settlements about Spirit Lake and upon the Little Sioux, therefore we do not consider that we are hardly on the frontier. There is no doubt of the existence of an organized band of horse thieves, somewhere in Dacotah Territory, that commit many depredations in the disguise of Indians and upon their credit. Yet they have committed none in this county, or within eighty miles of it, and if they should, I hope and trust the people here, will prove equal to the emergency. We have in this county one hundred and twenty five inhabitants, over forty of whom are fighting men, or subject to do military duty, and if we cannot protect our homes, we are unworthy of homes in so fair a land as this. Another still stronger objection, which every true lover of this county has, has to [do with] the States sending men here at this time of our country's greatest need, is that as we are unable to assist the grand and noble cause, in which our country is at present so deeply engaged by men and means. God forbid that we would indirectly aid the enemy by intruding upon the precious time of those that have all they attend to, to content with our common adversary without being annoyed by any false and foolish pretense from the county that we are in danger. If it is desirable, we will forward to you a remonstrance, signed by the majority of the county, who are opposed to having troops stationed here. Please excuse this somewhat tedious intrusion upon your attention. If the intended petition should be presented, it is hoped that it will only receive such attention as the case merits ... [signed] Adolphus Jenkins

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Pitt. Washtenaw County, Michigan Territory, 1836

Pitt [Washtenaw County, Michigan Territory], Jun 5 1836, from Tyler McWhorter, to Henry H. Collier, St. Catherine, Upper Canada

The content reads, in part, as follows: "I received your welcome letter on the 27th of last month. I am very happy to learn your condition, that you are laying the foundation of a popular life. And were I two years younger, I should like to be your classmate. But as the state of matters and things will not exactly permit, I must lower my hopes and content myself to tread a more common path. I am not in the least surprised that your departure from Avoca did not trouble your mind. There is nothing there ... But, however, there are some quite decent chaps left in old Steuben yet. But I think it would be to their benefit to elope. A few days since I received a letter from Miss Elizabeth J. Moore, It contained no news of importance, except of the precarious state of business there and that Mr. Duparc, the preceptor, was indicted for bigamy, He has another wife in Ohio. He is now at Bath waiting his trial and it is the general opinion he will be committed. It will be a great damage to Steuben to lose so useful a man. If it had not been for leaving a cloud of trouble amongst our folks, I do not know, but I should have been to Texas before now. You inform me that you take the Steuben Advocate. I have likewise had the pleasure of reading papers from the Iowa [Territory] press. Mr. Barry has sent me a no. of papers this spring. A few days since we received the welcome news of the overthrow and capture of Santa Anna. I have not altogether abandoned my project of going to Texas yet, but I shall not go until I see the old Steuben once more, if I ever do ... Business seems to be in quite a sterling condition here. The emigration is exceedingly great this Spring. Cattle is very dear. A good yoke of oxen is worth $100. A drove passed by the other day, which came from Ohio, and for their best offer they asked 140 dollars pr yoke. And most anything of a cow is worth 30 dollars and horses is cheaper here than in York State. I calculated to take a trip out west next fall to see Ill[inois] and Wisconsin, before I return home. I cannot yet promise for certain to come and see you on my return. I expect by this time you perfectly understand the mystery of the sun's rising & setting n[orth] of east in the summer &c. I have blundered into the philosophy of that myself I think without the aid of Trigonometry ... Farmers are getting rich very fast. All farms about this part of the country, improved and unimproved, has doubled in value within two years. Improved land is held as high here as in Old Steuben and is worth a damned sight more than are farms on the Bend ... [Lands] about 12 miles west of this [place], which 5 years ago was wild and uncultivated ... are now selling at 25 dollars an acre. If a young man buys a wild lot of land and at the end of a year cannot sell it for double the first cost, it will be because he has made a poor choice of land. Wisconsin will double her population undoubtedly this Summer. I had some conversation with an engineer ... this morning. He stated that a farmer, who owned a form there then worth 4 thousand dollars could but support his family by working hard himself. Consider the vast difference when compared what farmers of this Western country. Mr. Wood, the man for whom I am to work, 10 years ago was worth but four hundred dollars. His property is now worth not less than 18 thousand. So he has cleared at the rate of 18 hundred dollars a year. He pays at the rate of 800 dollars a year for hired work. My leisure moments are but few, but I have most all kinds of scientific books at hand ... [signed] Tyler McWhorter.

Ebay Item number:260560073471

St. Andrews. June 12, 1792.

“This is to inform you that there was such a person as Loring Barker and I am very sorry you ever knew there was such a person. I dare say you will think strange of my conduct it is what I thought of when I left Pembroke. To be short I was married this last June to Miss Polly Ross. I hope it will not give you any uneasiness for I think you are deserving a much better man that I am or ever shall be I hope often been told that Miss Torrey was too worthy a person for me to have, and have taken it into consideration and think so myself. Furthermore you have often told me that you wished to live a single life and I would not wish you to disoblige yourself for the sake of obliging me. I have wished to enter into that state a long time ago buy you refused it and now it is too late I think that you have so many accomplishments that you can have your choice among the best of men and wittingly there is not a more miserable creature living than I am I wish you all the happiness this world can afford I must conclude I wish you to write a line or two to inform me of your Health so no more adieu forever.”

“Loring Barker”

St. Louis 1841

St. Louis Steam Boat EMILIE, Mar 21-22 1841, from Henry to his lady friend, Sarah E. Hodgen. The content reads, in part, as follows: Has been impatiently awaiting for her arrival, writing, "I do declare it almost seems to have been a month since I have been watching every Ohio River Boat that may chance to come to the landing and so soon as they touch at the wharf I take to the boats and soon travel all over them in search of you. I have sometimes thought I should be sorry to have you see me running about the boat looking in the ladies cabin, lest you should think me very rude, for I know everyone else who may observe me thinks me so, but methinks I should now be willing to be termed rude by half the world (provided you were not on that side) could that secure me the pleasure of seeing my dear Sarah E. before I leave for Columbia [Missouri], which must be tomorrow, as business of an imperative character demands that I should return this week. But ... my heart takes comfort ... that in four short weeks Pittsfield [Illinois] will again be my home and then we shall meet, never more to be separated in the cruel manner which has kept land and sea between us ever since the 30th ... Jul last. I have not heard from you since I was in Pittsfield in Jan last, but knowing that you were always well, I have managed to convince myself that you were still enjoying your usual health. I have just been interrupted to go and look over another boat, the GIRARD has just landed, but no friends there for me, and I have again to board board with bitter and unavailing regret over my repeated and continued disappointments all the way down ... I yesterday heard the celebrated John Newland Moffit preach in the Methodist Church of this city. My opinion of him is that he is a man of splendid talents, but a consuming hypocrite. He is the greatest fop I ever saw in a pulpit. An elder opened the service, and while he was praying and singing, Moffit was fixing his hair, his stock, his collar, brushing his clothes and taking all the airs of a dandy ... [Mar 22 1841] this day I must start home. I shall lock up shop in Columbia in a week or ten days and shall be engaged about a week or ten days in making settlements, and I think in three weeks I shall be ready to leave for Illinois, and if ever I was thankful ... to leave any place, that place is Columbia ... I shall be very anxious to hear from you and hope that you will write soon as you safely reach St. Louis. I have seen no friends from Illinois since I have been here. I saw Amos Goodin yesterday. He is filling the Honorable Station of Second Steward on board of the Stam Boat ELIZA ... breakfast is ready and as soon as I get that, I must turn out to lay some goods to send up the Illinois River. I want to send them on a boat which will leave today ... [signed} Henry.

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1798, Antigua

1798, Antigua.

Thomas Hanson Halloran, Notary Public; has taken the story of Amos Sherman; late mate of the the Sloop called the Fox. It seems the sloop Fox left the port of Antigua for New York; John Lum, Master of the ship; loaded with Rum and other goods. The ship was properly tight,had enough supplies and a large enough crew
It seems that the Fox was passing the island of Berbuda, when she was attacked and made a prize of a privateer of the French Republic. The Captain of the privateer removed the Captain of the Fox and three members of his crew
On the twentieth day they were boarded by a British armed privateer called the Tickler; where Daniel Lee was commander.The ship was taken into a port at St. Johns; where Amos Sherman is swearing out this oath....

Ebay Item number: 350315966919

1848-53 JOHN SPRINGS, SOUTH CAROLINA LETTERS

22 handwritten letters, 1848-1853, John Springs III (1782-1853) to son-in-law, AB [Adam Brevard] Davidson of Rural Hill Plantation, Charlotte, North Carolina.


Excerpts:
Sept. 11, 1848, NY - "I arrived here in my usual health from a trip down east as far as Portland having seen much of New England and the Yankey country. It is now very dry and some terrible disasters are taking place from fire. Last night between one and two hundred houses were burnt in Brooklyn just across the south river from this. A number of Engines went over from here to their assistance and they have Telegraphic News from Albany that a second fire has taken place in which 500 houses were burnt, and the fire still rages unstoppable."
Fugitive Slave Law

Oct. 2, 1850, NY - "A runaway rascal (James Hamlet) has been arrested here by the Marshal under the late law, and by him and his Posse taken to Baltimore, and delivered to his owner, a the expense of the US Government. I believe the law with a large part of the community here is a popular one, but is creating a great excitement among the colored Gentry and a few Abolitionists. I see it stated that about 200 runaway villains had left Pittsburg armed to the teeth denouncing the Government and the Country that would not protect them, and determined if necessary to fight their way to the Queens dominions of Canada. Meetings are being had in all the cities and principal towns and strong resolutions entered in to resist the fugitive slave law. One took place here last night, made up of blacks and a few Abolitionists, the strongest resolutions introduced and adopted, calling on all Patriotic lovers of liberty to join and aid, in resisting the law...my own private opinion is it would have been better as some number [ministers?] proposed to have paid the owners for their property, out of the Treasury of the US. Collections are making to pay the passage and expense of some of the villains who may choose to go to Canada so as to get them entirely out of reach of their masters and the people here are gratified at that as they don't want them among them. I do wish there was some way to get our free blacks all off to the free states. I would be willing to contribute liberally to that."

Aug. 8, 1848, Philadelphia - "...reached this last night enjoying so far good health, and without any occurrence worthy of notice, save that between Washington and Baltimore we run over a drunk man lying in the road mashed him to a mummy. I found much political confusion and excitement at Washington I believe mostly growing out of the Presidential election, and from what I see in the Papers today it is feared the Democrats in NC will have a majority in the Legislature if they do not get the Governor."

March 18, 1850, Columbia, SC - Building of Greenville road, 15 miles finished, bringing down cotton and other commodities. "170 bales have been brought down in one trip."

Aug. 7, 1850, Stratford, CT - "We were eight days in Washington and each day attended in the Senate, saw and heard some of the great men of the nation. We remained one day in Philadelphia and six in N York. There was much excitement at Washington on the great compromise bill, and I was mortified to find discussion in Congress was mainly among the Southern men. It seemed they could not agree on any measure among themselves. Since I left that I don't often hear the subject mentioned. It at present seems a difficulty may take place between the US and Texas respecting her boundary with N Mexico."

Ebay Item number:230437618067

Suisun California

Letter from C.K Wells of Suisun, California, to "Dear Friends". Dated June 14, [circa 1855], the letter contains the well written observations of a young man who made the trip by sea from New York, across the Isthmus of Panama, and then to California on another vessel. The letter begins with great detail of the voyage to Panama, a well described trip across the Isthmus on the Panama Railroad, and the 22 day voyage to San Francisco aboard a crowded ship with poor accomodation. He then traveled by boat and stagecoach from San Francisco to the farm of friends at Suisun, north of San Francisco, and settled into farming. A wonderful and productive country, Wells describes large numbers of cattle and horses which must be branded by their owners as they are allowed to wander, and must be rounded up from time to time, the cutting and threshing of wheat, the great climate . He also notes the poor condition of housing and barns compared to Vermont, and claims no place in California can compare. He claims very few people are better off for coming to California, and there are not many religious opportunities. Asks for news from home, "should be very happy to do myself up in this envelope and find myself taken out in your old kitchen".


Ebay Item number:190371234293

1859 California gold miner's letter

1859 California gold miner's letter sent from Forbestown, California in Butte County back home to George G Swett in Hampden Maine.

Forbestown Butte County June 15, '59 Dear Friends, I will write a few lines now to let you know how I be. I have prospected until I got tired and I did not find anything to pay me so I hired out at a mill. I had worked about a week and was unfortunate enough to jam the end of my finger off on my right hand. It will probably lay me up 4 to 6 weeks and then I shall go to work again. I hope this will find you well. Please excuse for I can not hold my pen very good.

William Swett .

Ebay Item number:330402075173

Washington D. C. 1854

“Washington D. C. April 4, 1854
Dear Sir,
I have been here 6 weeks and leave today for home, Ovid N.Y. I write to say I have a large amount of rolls not in your office or any other, nor copies of them. Mine are original authentic manuscript papers and rolls. I have a large amount of service that never before has been found. I will name Wagon Conductors in your state &c.
Roswell Ransom, Jonathan Treadway, Reuben Porter, Daniel Miles, Israel Skinner, John Waters, Benjamin Taylor, Obadiah Barker (or Barber), Noah Phelps, George Nettleton, Freeman Lincoln, Ichabod Massey, Longford Carty, Nathanial Platt, Samuel Risley, Noah Risley, Ephraim Hexford, Libbens Hills, Joshua Ransom, Josiah Loomis, Samuel Jones, Jonathan Townsend, David Phelps, Gershom Tuttle, Matthew Manchester, Clark Carty, and Henry Larnd.
I have hundreds more names of Wagon Masters and thousands of names of Teamsters and of others, ____as artificers and all the different branches of the army. I write mostly to give you this information that if you have enquiries for proof of such services as I name or if you are interested in any case where I have proof you can make it known to me. I would like to have you inform me whether the persons that I have named or their widows have been pensioned or did they fail to secure it or die too early. One thing is certain, and that is that I have more genuine authentic manuscript proof then any man in the union and could aid an agent more than any other person can in this way; this is in the way of proof. My rolls are of service from 1776 to the close of the war. Both North and South and middle states and eastern states. I would like to hear from you at Ovid N.Y. I am most respectfully , Arad Joy.
George Robinson Esq.”

This interesting letter is for sale on Ebay Item number:170438947237

1869 PEMBERTON, VIRGINIA LETTER

1869 PEMBERTON, VIRGINIA LETTER - REV JH MORRISON
Letter signed, "J. H. Morrison", Pemberton, Goochland County, VA, May 7, 1860.
With postal cover to Dr. Thomas B. Taylor, Mt. Meigs, Montgomery Co., Alabama.
Morrison notes that he has two parishes on either side of the James River; inquires about Dr. Taylor's cotton; and comments on the late war. Excerpts:
"The late war has almost obliterated the landmarks of the Past. It rolls as a dark flood between us and the period that preceded it. And yet the troubles we have had to wade through cause the heart to cling the more closely to old friends..."; "Like nearly all Southern clergymen, and many Laymen, I am much occupied in trying to provide a maintenance for my family."


Ebay Item number: 230428658107

Letter to Mrs. Eliza Thornton,Lauderdale County, Mississippi, from Elizabeth Baggott, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio 1847

Dayton P O Ohio montgomery Co. march the 14th 1847

My Dear and affectionate Aunt

Father is married again.. He married A lady by the name of Caylor., She was about twenty when he married. She has had five children. their Names are Martin V B is 9 [originally “8"] years old Virginia Helen was ten months when she died., she has been Dead six years., Oliver P he is five years old Josephine Boneparte She is three years old James K Polk is two years old this month Mother had 8 Children four dead and four a living William is the Eldest he is 27 years old George is 23 years old and I will be 21 the 21 [sic] the sixth of next month Martha Ann will be 17 the 28 of this month

... continue reading Letter to Mrs. Eliza Thornton, Alamucha P. O., Lauderdale County, Mississippi, from Elizabeth Baggott, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, March 14, 1847

Letter to Mrs. Mary Bradford and sister Sarah Jane, Northumberland, Pennsylvania, from Louisa, York Pennsylvania, 1839

York Friday Nov. 25th ‘39

— I cannot refrain from expressing my thanks, thus early, for it, nor from giving you, Sarah Jane, our particular thanks (which you well deserve) for urging dear Mrs Bradford to renew her determination of visiting us at Christmas – We have set our hearts upon seeing her then, and cannot be disappointed – Sally & Emy, I am sure, will not be happy without her.....

Miss Naudain left Town about a week since – she is a lively, pleasant girl, and probably may carry off one of our Beaux – certain it is, that Mr Barnits was very attentive to her, which, is all I have to found my supposition on. We are as yet without a stationed Clergyman — Mr Wallace who has preached here once, is expected this week, to remain six months upon trial – It is generally supposed that he will be continued, as he was universally liked, by those who heard him — On Sunday next, in addition to Mr Wallace; Mr Wolfe (the celebrated missionary), and Mr George Jones will preach here

... continue reading Letter to Mrs. Mary Bradford and sister Sarah Jane, Northumberland, Pennsylvania, from Louisa, York Pennsylvania, 1839

Letter from Simeon Baldwin, New Haven, Connecticut, January 4, 1808

New Haven Jany 4th 1808

Dear Sir

I have this day received yours of the 3d Inst wishing me to enquire more particularly of Mr Wm Baldwin respecting the circumstances of your brothers death. – You have indeed imposed upon me a painful task; but I expected it, & duty requires however painful it may be to us both, that I execute it faithfully.

– A day or two preceeding the Death of your brother he with Mr Michael Baldwin & three or four other Gentlemen arrived in Pittsburg from the westwards in a Stage & took lodgings at the Stage house, the next day he visited with a party of Gentlemen, at Henry Baldwins & by his cheerfulness rendered himself peculiarly acceptable to the family & the party

... continue reading Letter to unidentified person from Simeon Baldwin, New Haven, [Connecticut], January 4, 1808

Brooklyn, Connecticut 1849

Letter with lots of good and bad news from home. Dated Brooklyn, Connecticut, June 14, 1849, Fanny, Lucy and their mother Sarah Litchfield write to their sister and daughter Mrs Eldridge Hill, who has recently moved to the prairies of Illinois. Much information about friends and family, with news of marriages, a neighbor coming back from a lengthy out of town visit with a baby, concerns about health, a friend who died ["She was a very pleasant corpse"], a neighbor who destroyed his wagon and broke his leg in an accident, concern about ever seeing each other again, and desire to move to Illinois.

This interesting letter is for sale on Ebay Item number:200428293463

Letter to Alvah Bush, Albany New York, from her sister, M. M. Bush, Cooperstown, New York 1843

Cooperstown Oct 11th 1843.

I forgot to tell you that I paid $8 for my shawl which I suppose you will think very extravagant – It is cassimere, two yards square with a handsome heavy fringe and is very warm – I looked at it a long time before I could make up my mind to take it, but I thought it would do to wear very often instead of a cloak and thus save me the necessity of getting a new one –

I received a long letter from Joseph last week, giving an account of the wedding and the conflagration which are two very important events in Bainbridge – It will be but a little while before I shall see them all again, and I assure you I look forward to it with a great deal of pleasure – I shall spend a week or two there on my way to Binghamton — Mrs Sumer returned from Boston, Saturday, and left with her family for Cleveland this morning – Miss Stowel is very well –

...Continue reading Letter to Alvah Bush, Albany New York, from her sister, M. M. Bush, Cooperstown, New York 1843

St. Clair County Illinois 1804

Illinois postmarked letter dated St. Clair County Nov 5 1804, from Lawrence Shook, to John Gibson, Secretary, Vincennes, Indiana Territory, manuscript postmarked Cahokia, Illinois. The content reads, in part, as follows: "Permit me to inform you that about two years ago I [obtained a] right of 100 acres of land from Danl. McCann as assignee of Joseph Managre who was assigned of Jaque[s] Bartholomew, a militia man of St. Clair County, which right Governor [William Henry] Harrison confirmed in the year 1802. He also kept the right in order to issue an order of survey for the same, but the order was not obtained. Now the law requites that all claims of land should be presented to the Register of Land office as Kaskaskia before the 1st of Jan 1805. Therefore I earnestly request of yr. honor to send me the right, or a copy of the Governor's confirmation, so as I may be able to lay my claim before the Register before the time expires. Your Honor's goodness in so doing will highly obligate and support me, otherwise I shall undoubtedly lose my right ... [signed] Lawrence Shook."

This letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number:250559570389

Civil War soldier's letter, Norfolk, Virginia

Civil War soldier's letter, dated at the Signal Station near Norfolk, Virginia, December 13, 1863, from Julius Swain to his friend Frank....This letter, which is full of good content, contains the following highlights.....General Butler has laid a heavy hand on drinking shops and houses of ill fame...his order regarding darkies is refreshing....Swain's "boy" is joining the Colorado Cavalry...."the sight of a few black Zouaves and cavalry who are no doubt permitted to move round among the brethren have given a new imortance to enlistments and the niggers are gathering"....can't wait till Spring to be ready for the Rebs and Grant will get to Richmond, more......

This Civil War soldier's letter is up for sale on Item number:
200425775285