Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A nice war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo,, written by Lieut. William H. Mickle, Co. H, 134th New York Vol., "Hd. Qrs. Artillery, 11th Corps, Catlett's Station, Va., Aug. 3, 1863" on his impression of Southern families and his black servant, in part: "…I think some of accepting an invitation to dine with an aristocratic Southern family in this vicinity….I am quite taken up with their style of living that is cherishing home as the most sacred spot on earth…but when I see the direful effects of Slavery even here. I turn away from it with disgust. O! ha! ha!…I've got a Darkey for a waiter or probably it would grate so harshly if I'd say hired man. His name is Ned one of the offspring of that famous individual 'Uncle Ned' who died long ago…I wish you could see his elegant features. Well Peter can tell you what his nose looks like but for a comparison he'd be compelled to go to Uncle [?] & get an awful big pear. His eyes well now my pen can't describe them. You have seen the full moon when little flakes of clouds were dotted over its surface? Well that's no comparison. His lips are of the true African style & teeth like so may pearls. I'll not make any further remarks about my Ned or Frank & Jennie will surely fall in love with him…". Raising to the rank of captain, Mickle served faithfully throughout the remainder of the war, being wounded at Gettysburg, and serving as a staff officer for Generals Howard, Hooker, and Sherman. Also included is the original transmittal envelope. VG
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.