Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
A great group of four Union officer's letters, totaling nearly 13pp. 4to., written by Capt. Robert H. Crist (1829-1912), Co. L, 1st Indiana Hvy. Artillery while setting up occupation troops in the Deep South during mid to late 1865, in small part: "…[4pp. 8vo., New Orleans, Aug. 4, 1865]…the health of the city is very good. No Yellow Fever…there are a great many [soldiers] stationed about the city in lost detachments awaiting orders…some ni--ger troops, one the 1st Regulars (white), (the New Orleans guerrillas) called the 1st New Orleans Infantry, composed of the deserters from both armies convicts. They enlisted to serve in New Orleans & not to fight. They pick up all straggling soldiers & officers who have no Pass. They cause me much trouble with my squad, hence my opinion of them. Officers are very scarce in the city, that is, with uniforms on. As they put on citizen cloths and go where they like…Brevt Maj. Gen. Tim Sherman (one legged) [Thomas West Sherman. lost right leg at Port Hudson] commands the defenses of N. O. and every body coming here is subject to his orders and he like many more in this army has issued some very foolish orders-but they have to be obeyed…Governor Morton of Ind. has prevailed on [the] War Dept to order all men mustered out who enlisted for the unexpired term of the regt…[3 1/2pp. 4to., Fort Pickens, Fla., Oct. 4, 1865]…we have 100 prisoners to guard=besides the garrison duty. 21 of my Co. goes home on 1st boat…I paid my darkee $30…I was 3 weeks in New Orleans in July was costly. An officer's pay is not enough to let him live…I am on an island again Santa Rosa Island is 60 miles long and 1/2 to 3/4 wide…[3pp. 4to., Fort Pickens, Fla., Oct. 31, 1865]…the 2nd Maine Cavalry & 25th U. S. C. N. (United State Colored Ni--gers) are now under order expecting to be mustered out…Mr. Hager is not very anxious on the Suffrage question…I do not know how Iowa stands effected. I hope they will not swallow the Ni--ger whole. The Blacks are destined to vote, sooner of later. I cannot be helped…it will become a political hobby…The Ind state agent was telling me about some letters he gets asking about the death of their friend…under what circumstances he died. What he said to his nurse…would be very interesting to them…but…to hunt up nurses and write it all down, not so interesting…when I was not certain of getting back. I told a friend where to write in case I failed to get back…but…tis a thing the soldier seldom ever thinks of. The soldier on his death bed…seldom or never speaks …I am appointed…acting asset. Inspector General of this Sub District of West Florida…[I] am also in cod of the Post, have charge of 80 or more prisoners…[3pp. 4to., Fort Pickens, Nov. 8, 1865]…I might tell you of prisoners getting away and being caught…4 prisoners, 2 white & 2 colored left one night…they went up the Island…we could not track them. There is a large saw mill up about 7 miles. One of the darkees came back there after rations and was picked up. A soldier was up the Island gathering shells…and found on boy trying to make his way back to Pickens. He was about starved to death…he was not able to walk…the other darkee or rather Indian came back a day…before the boy was found. Fishing boats are plenty…and fishermen are a class that would help a prisoner or deserter for a little money. You might think it easy to keep the prisoners guarded, but [we] are to work them. Some are driving carts, some sweeping…one sewing for the men…tis impossible to keep them all guarded. There is near 100 port holes or embrasures to the fort, some 63 feet square. So that anyone wishing can get out…they are generally kept in a stockade but the guard is careless and they manage to elude the guard after night and get to some fishing boat & get across the bay…soldiers are not deserting much now. They expect to muster out soon…Maj. Hendricks former Capt, of Co. L is at Fort Gaines comdg. I will tell you…of one of his adventures with a 'colored' lady while he was here. Hendricks has a wife & several children, one daughter grown…". All have the letter's original transmittal covers are included.
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.