A Sexual Encounter in Richmond Leads To The "Winter Itch".

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014

A very rare pair of sexual content Confederate soldier letters, totaling 6pp. various sizes, written by Pvt. Isaiah Grandison Baker, Co. A, 6th Virginia (POW Ellitt's Station, Va., May 22, 1864). The first letter is written by Baker to his friend, Bob, at Richmond, January 22, 1863 containing a rather flowery rendition of a sexual encounter with the former "Belle of Harpers Ferry", Miss. Annie Wentzel, reading, in part: "…I am having the gayest kind of time in this place…my time is usually spent…in the State library or listening to the deliberation of Congress…I of course have to devote a certain amount of time to the ladies…I have two very pleasant flirtations on hand…and has threatened entire consumption…I will give you the [?] of one of my dear charmers, but you must not laugh when I mention Miss Rose Hodges, formerly of 'National Hotel' notoriety. I met her in first rate society and I find her very pleasant, modest and intelligent. She plays and sings…she often mentions…your old friend Tom Keeling. Another is Miss. Annie Wentzel, a short time since the belle of Harpers Ferry. She is the most lovely of her sex, with long flowing curls of the glossiest black which…cluster…around a neck of the most perfect form, and her eye, you should see that eye Bob. I caught a look from it a short time since when under the effect of excitement and was most reminded of the following prayer: 'As the bolt bursts on high. From the black cloud that bound it, flashed the soul of that eye, though the long lashes around it. But what is the use of all this nonsense to you. You are not capable of appreciating any of these beauties of nature…I don't think it all likely that I shall give up my share of this enjoyment for some years to come…if I feel so inclined I shall write again soon and try to confine myself to more pleasant topics…". Signed "Grand". The second letter (partial) is written to his cousin five day later on January 27th concerning the "winter itch" he has recently contracted, and reads, in part: "…I am still here in Richmond…I have got the itch!!! (You will I know laugh at the sudden change of subject…it is called the winter itch and will perhaps last me for a week or two. I am taking large doses of sulphur & cream of tartar. Unless you had the itch you can form no idea of the luxury of a good scratch. I experience but one difficulty with it and that is I cannot go in company for when I want to scratch I will do it…If I could only give it to some friend and get him to enjoy it with me…Miss. Hodges has just sent me a snow-custard…which she hopes will cool my blood…you have no idea of the prices that dry goods bring in this place. I paid $10 for two very small white handkerchiefs…". This letter is unsigned. Both are in very good condition and for the pair

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