Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
HILL, Daniel H. (1821-1889) Lt. General CSA. Distinguished at Big Bethel, June 10, 1861. Commanding General, C.S. Army of the Peninsula, 1861; Commanding General, C.S. Army of Tennessee, 1865. Commandant of the North Carolina Military Institute before the war. Scarce War-date Autograph Letter Signed “Husband”, 1p. quarto, Leesburgh, Virginia, February 12, 1862, addressed to his wife, it reads in full: “...Amid all the sad news, I can still see the guiding and protecting care of a kind Father. You thought that my removal from North Carolina was very cruel, but had I remained, I would now be a corpse or a prisoner. Let us praise and adore Him always & under all circumstances. I feel more calm than I have done for a long time. The condition of that Island has preyed very much upon my mind. The militia were called out to fortify it, but the mean, unprincipled Governor ordered them back. A month’s work would have saved the Island. The thing is now over, it is with the past, suspense has become reality, & we have only to say ‘They will be done.’ We can be independent, if we are resolved to be so, otherwise, we deserve our fate. There must be a great change, or ruin is inevitable. Whether there is spirit enough for the emergency, I do not know. After all, what is the use of being concerned about this brief life, when eternity is before us. Trust in God, rely upon the saviour & do our duty. Then all will be well. Many dark hours are before us, but we can make them bright. Excuse a brief note. Love & kisses to the dear ones at hom. Affectionately, Husband.” Fine. The “Island” referred to by General Hill was Roanoke Island which fell to the Union forces four days prior to this letter being written and opened a backdoor for the Federal Army to Richmond.
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