Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
War-date Union officer's letter, 3pp. 4to., written by Capt. Robert H. Crist (1829-1912), Co. L, 1st Indiana Hvy. Artillery, Blakely, Ala., April 23, 1865, in part: "…I went to Mobile last Thursday…[it] is a very nice town, on lead ground…streets wide & well graded, but not paved, side walks brick…most dwelling houses of wood, cottage style…once well painted but paint is scarce now…the cotton press yards are all up town on the river. The business houses all near the river. The dwelling all back…the city is much more loyal today than New Orleans. I was there when the news that the President was assassinated. I[t] spread universal gloom over soldier & citizens. There were hundreds of Confederate soldiers & deserters in town. The citizens expressed their regrets and I did not hear a word against the President or our army or administration. The people were anxious to take the oath, say they are glad the war is over…as to the Rebel fortifications about Mobile there is an immense amount of them about 100 guns of large calibre, all spiked. The rebus could not get them away. The rebels could have made a strong defense but they were afraid of having their city shelled by our artillery. The drakes of all ages, colors, & sexes are coming in by hundreds daily. The Q. M. set the men at work, recruiting officers are making soldiers of them. The dirty, ragged, forlorn N--ger women huddle about some old building when they are furnished rations till…they may be shipped off to some Post Plantation. I wish you could see a crowd of about 2 or 300 old & young after they get the blues. I saw a crowd coming in a few days ago from Clayborne, Ala…our cavalry had been up there and the Nigs of all classes came here…women on foot with big bundle on their heads…one characteristic of the fugitives is when they…eat what they have…they get to singing mournful tunes from…singing in concert…to praying…the soldiers…commence mocking them…to brick batting…our soldiers are suffering for tabacco. No sutlers have been allowed with us…stores in Mobile are about cleaned out…the ladies, many of them & well & richly dressed but without hoops. They look ridiculous…". The original transmittal cover is also included. VG
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