Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
A good war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Robert H. Crist (1829-1912), Co. F, 21st Indiana Vols., [later captain 1st Ind. Hvy. Artillery], Brashear City, La., Dec. 27, 1862, in part: "…we are quartered in the depot and some other buildings that leaks badly…the Rebs are quite on the other side of the bay. Our expedition have captured 4 small useless steam boats and large quantities of sugar & molasses…the conscripts are deserting from the Rebs very few days. They…tire of soldiering without clothing or pay…the poor fellows look hard…there is a vast amount of suffering her among the citizens. Their Confederate money is worthless and as the rebel army is gone from here they can get no help from them. Several she traitors has been over from the other side of the river…to see the provost marshall all soliciting something to eat for their children. The P. marshall gives them an order to get approval by the Col. Then they come to me to get the ration. Some were Irish widows and did not mind it, but sow were (once was) aristocratic Ladies and they were considerable cut down to come begging of Union soldiers and carry their pillow slips…to get flour…I could not pity them…a few miles is a bend of the river. The rebs built a fort…to mount 2 guns…Planter & everybody…would ride down…to note progress and cheer on the laborers. They said 'just let the d_d Yankees wait till we get our guns mounted…then we can sleep sound.' One patriotic lady requests the privilege & did wheel one load of dirt up on the embankment…then said she wanted to kill the first Yankee that made his appearance. She is now a great Union lady…". Also included is an engraving entitled: "Picture of Southern Life-The snuff-Dippers. From a drawing by a German officer in the Rebel Army.", that was clipped from a newspaper by Crist and sent home with this letter with him adding, "Oh Well. Save This." The original transmittal cover is included. Near fine.
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