Civil War Handwritten Letter
Item Details
An unsigned Civil War letter penned to an unnamed general. The writer discusses the war, the affects of a Proclamation upon the southern slaves, and political affairs. The letter appears to be a draft as it has been edited by the writer with crossouts. The envelope is dated August 9, 1864
The letter reads: ‘My Dear Friend, I recd. last evening your note of 26 postmarked Washington…I do indeed consider the conduct of this war as of the gravest moment. It has occupied much of my thoughts from the first outbreak & the end has at no time appeared to me…near at hand as some have expected…I belong to that class who hoped war could be avoided & who did our best to avert it – but once it was forced on us I think it ought to be waged with all the rigor we are capable of, or to use your own words, it should be made short & decisive. The recent laws of Congress place in the hands of the President powers which belong rather to a despot that to a Republic but a state of war is a state of despotism & during its continuance people tenacious of their rights & in labor of peace must & do cheerfully submit to what would not be tolerated in a state of peace hoping in the end to its lasting national benefits…In event of a Proclamation, I see only an act of military expediency justifiable by the hope that it will hasten the close of the ware. I have…considered that this visitation…on an hitherto peaceful nation would end in the gradual emancipation of the slaves without being able to foretell how it would be accomplished. I apprehend that the time has come when either Mr. Lincoln or Jeff Davis have to resort to this expedient & not only for the positive effect of our numerical strength but for the moral effect both on the slaves…it becomes very important which party took the initiative. I do a not apprehend that the proclamation will result in…insurrection. The slaves have no arms & no means of obtaining them within the lines of the Confederates without those lines they are free with or without the proclamation. The main benefit I look for is the withdrawal of slave owners from the Southern Army to look after their slaves & the general effect on the latter who would hardly take arms against those who had offered their freedom…The Richmond papers certainly look upon the Indians as allies & consider our paroled prisoners being employed again…Unfortunately my dear General, political organizations & early political training have much to do with the view we take of passing events. In my own case since the old Whig Party expired, I have had to merge all political feelings into a love of country…& I had hoped that the conservative men of all parties would have united during this war, but I see the coming elections are retaining old party lines as distant as ever. I am disappointed that the Democrats as well as Republicans should allow love of party to rule over love of country.’
Dimensions
measurement for shipping
Item #
16CLT113-174
