Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
A great war-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Pvt. Robert H. Crist (1829-1912), Co. F, 21st Indiana Vols., [later captain 1st Ind. Hvy. Artillery], Baton Rouge, La., Oct. 29, 1863, in part: "…we had a wedding tonight. The chaplain came down here to preach to the darkees…the quarters of all the drivers (white and colored)…is quartered farther back. Our washer woman and one of the drivers concluded t marry and did so…several of the darkee drivers have wives with them. A darkee must have a wife and…do not hesitate to marry where ever they halt…and if it so happens that Mrs. Dinah cannot go along she remains to marry the next man that may chance along and Sambo goes on to look for a Dalcinea in another camp…I know officers…who have taken a decent looking yellow girl, dressed her up, furnished her a tent and would not allow her to help cook or wash, would not allow her to associate with other men…never saw one white or black that would bear up under the treatment. They soon want to wear the Breeches, hence a quarrel and Miss. 'Vixen' changes hands…you have read and heard a great deal about slavery but…you know but little about it…[detailed content here on how military life changes the men]…the women in the neighborhood of the army are always worse demoralized than the men…hence to the wedding. Sylvia…did not wish to be talked about so she concluded to marry. We told her we were going to have her married to the army regulations for 3 years…but she objected. We have 35 darkees in the train…government pays them $10 per month…some of the pious darkees…gather in the stable and they have prayer meetings. I wish you could hear the exhortations, comparisons…[and] big words…that Texas expedition was a failure. The steamer Laurel Hill was caught in a storm…she had to throw over some 200 mules…the nutmegs are great for wearing brass on their hats, such as no. of their regt & co. (48/A)…perhaps a brass bugle or cross cannon or a wreath. Our regt did wear some in Baltimore but now they despise them. Some men think they make a military appearance in high topped boots and…pants inside, big brass spurs on…nutmeg regts either have…palm leaf hats or wool hats alike…government shoes (called bootees)…are called cornfield gaiters, among the soldiers-government pumps…I think of bringing my old cook up…he would suit you. He is very industrious, watchful, active…none of the nigger about him. He wants to go north with me…can beat 7/10 of the wash women, white or black…". The original transmittal cover is also included. Near fine.
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