Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Leonard N. Miner [Everett's father], Co. C, 7th New Hampshire Vols., St. Augustine, Florida, March 27, [1863], in part: "…Mr. Riddle came on the steamer with his goods…he has bot out 1/2 of a hotel at Hilton Head & is going back there to stay…if you should take a notion to come out & see us you can stay at his hotel…Everett…is like all other boys that like a high time & think that when I give him…advise that is my silly notion…I may just as well talk to the wind…it has worries me a great deal…I have to be confined to my quarters nights & [to] know that he is out lose with many reckless fellows that can swear & abuse ni--gers & think it very smart & anybody that thinks different are…ni--ger lovers & n-ger worshipers etc. I have tried my best to get him into a singing school…to keep him out of these Co[mpany] but…he knew best. Well…last night he was out with some of the scamps abusing the n-gers & this morning he had to walk up to the provo guard house…he was put in this morning…he thought that some of us would be up in a short time &…he would get right out, but I never went near him till about 2 p. m…the guard said after I went off he was pretty sober…the steamer had come in with the mail…but did not tell him anything about it…he asked me if…I had seen the provo. I told him no…I do not know how long they will keep, but I guess long enough to sober him a little…the chaplain thought it would not hurt him any to stay there 48 hours…Friday eve 28th…Everett is still at the guard house…he wanted to know if they would court martial him…[I] gave him a little talking to about the company he had been keeping…I don't intend to be harsh with him, but want he should learn a good lesson…". Unsigned, but complete with the letter's original patriotic transmittal cover addressed to his wife at Enfield, New Hampshire. Both VG.
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