July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
War-date Confederate officer’s Autograph Letter Signed by Captain John J. Good, 3pp. quarto, May 3, 1865, Meridian, Mississippi, and reads in part: “...The Adj. Genl had promised me a leave at any time. I thought it necessary and so great has been my desire and anxiety to see that my applications amounted to importunites. They have however been without effect owing to arrangements between Taylor and Canby for the surrender of the Dept. It was my intention not to be a prisoner of war notwithstanding the liberal arrangements I am informed has been entered into. But after the speeches and advice of Hood, Taylor and Forrest and considering the utter impossibility of getting my family home except as a paroled officer m y mind has at last been made up to submit to the fortunes of war and the destiny that awaits me. By this means the United States furnishes transportation to Texas enable us once more to meet with the loved ones from whom we have been separated more than two years. When apprised by news that our cause is now hopeless (Lee and Johnson having surrendered with everything under their command and there being no chance for Taylor to move east because of a large Federal force at Montgomery nor west because of the impossibility of crossing the Miss.) You will approve my course. All the officers and soldiers have with a few exceptions have determined upon the same. They feel that duty to themselves and families require it. You have no idea what the resolution has cost me. Favoritism, the want of statemanship and generalship, speculating, swindling and culpable extravagance have lost us the benefit of our struggle and sent us back again under the accursed Stars and Stripes. The horrors of this condition I dread from the tone of the abolitionist press recently, hope for something. Genl. Canby is expected here tomorrow or next day to give us our paroles...soon as paroled, I shall start and hope to beat this letter home...I am not yet acquainted with the terms of capitulation or would send them. We will probably go to Mobile thence to New Orleans and up the Red River to Shreveport, La...” Professional repairs, else about very good condition.
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