Begging For Money From His Newly Minted Officer Son

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

A rather interesting pair of war-date Union home front and soldier letters written between a father and son. There content speaks for itself, in part: "…[Father, Charles K. Mix, Detroit, Feb. 1, 1864]…was [a] surprise to hear of your reenlistment after many narrow escapes of being killed by rebel bullets, but you are old enough to be your own judge…my health is so poor..Eva Knapp will tell you I have been to York state to see my sisters and found them all well…I cannot drive the bread wagon any longer…I must try and do something else…wish you could send me a little money to begin with and I will make it all right in time. It may be as safe with me a Mr. Knapp. I will try and keep it all safe for you…many in Detroit would be glad to see you…I am 50 years old and full of aches and pains…if you can help me into something so I can make a living I shall be happy…help me this once and I will make one grand bargain and se if I cannot overcome…poverty…I received a letter from Wesley a few days ago…with ten dollars in it…Wesley has become a very good boy and we all think Henry as good. Tell us, if you please, how much your salary is for we cannot find out here and whether you get any Bounty for we know not…[son, Lt. William Henry Mix, 19th USCT, Camp Stanton, Md., Feb. 4, 64, to his mother and Eva Knapp]…but to proceed to the business in hand. Father's letter inside will explain; I have promised to send him my little all. I know you will hardly think it right, Mother yet think. Uncle has money, land. Father has not. Remember Mother whatever he may do he is my father still & should I be killed in our approaching battles Wesley will get it eventually for I will make a will to that effect. Eva see about getting a check & sending the money to Father as soon as possible…". Both VG and one retains its original stamped transmittal cover

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