Virginia Colonel Writes of Selling Slaves and Raising Troops in April of 1861

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015

Autograph Letter Signed, S. B. Gibbons, 3 pp. 8vo, Harrisonburg, April 8, 1861, to his father Col. Samuel Gibbons, with stamped cover with “HARRISONBURG Va.” pmk, reads in part: “...Gen’l M[?] says it would not do him any good to change the Inspections so I will drill the Militia this spring. It will suit me to go to Missouri either in June or July....I was at Conrad’s Store on Saturday, the company was to have turned out but owing to rain there were only about 15 on parade. They are hearty stout-looking fellows. ...Adam Long told me to tell you that he would like to sell you the women & child that he bought at Cooks sale, she wants to be with the other Cook darkies. His address is McGahegsville....I suppose you have heard that Bastobol the cattle dealer in Baltimore has failed. Messr. Brock and Bowman will lose by him. Saml I. Walker of this place, it is also said will be wound up financially. I was at Uncle John’s all are well and strong secessionists. Bob would like to leave the state. Cousin Sandy is here now I heard him preach last night. He speaks of going to Indiana and I think it would be well enough for him to do so....S.B. Gibbons.” XF.Simeon Gibbons was born in 1833, he attended and graduated from VMI in 1852. He was the Colonel 4th VA Vols (Militia) 1859-1860. On April 18, 1861 he enlisted and was commissioned Colonel of the 10th Virginia Infantry. The nucleus of the 10th Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry was formed in Rockingham County just prior tot he commencement of the Civil War. One company, the Valley Guards, was organized before the John Brown raid at Harper’s Ferry, with S. B. Gibbons as captain. This company was sent to Charlestown as part of the military force used as a guard. Gibbons fought with the 10th until he was Killed in Action at McDowell, Virginia, May 8, 1862. At McDowell Gibbons received two bullets in his forehead in the face of the 5th Ohio Infantry. Though his acting aide and younger brother, William S. Gibbons, had rushed to his side, the colonel died just before he reached him. His body was carried to the rear by other members of the regiment.

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).