Raynor HCA 2014-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
In today's world New York City remains a target for international terrorists. In 1864 Confederate agents (toady they would be called terrorists) sought to demoralize the North by attacking the principle cities of the North with New York City as their primary target. The plan was to burn these cities to the ground by implementing the use of Greek Fire, a liquid substance that ignited when exposed to air. Their plan, put into effect in late November 1864, proved mildly successful when several fires were set at P. T. Barnum's Museum and several hotels in New York City, but no serious damage was done except to Barnum's Museum which burned to the ground. All too well in modern times do we know the effect that such an event would have on the American psych after experiencing the sad days of 9/11, the Oklahoma bombing, and the Boston marathon bombing. But very little is known of the effect the burning of New York had on the Northern population until now through the letter offered here written by a Union soldier who was stationed at Finley Hospital, Washington D. C. during the time of the burning. It was written just days after the near catastrophic attack on New York and is the only Civil War era letter we have ever had the pleasure of offering that deals with this event. This historic letter is, 2pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. William Logan, on U. S. Sanitary Commission stationery, Finley Hospital, [Washington], Dec. 4, 1864, reading, in part: "…we have had a busty week occasioned by the discovery of a sinister plot to burn the city and hospitals as well as the principal Northern cities. We have been guarding and watching every avenue since they succeeded in burning three buildings in the City. New York was fired in about 50 places. I have been acting corporal of the guard and like the duty well…". The original transmittal cover is included. A great piece of American as well as Civil War history and worthy of further research. Both the cover and letter are in very good condition.
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