Raynors HCA 2015-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015
A historic war-date Union general's battle letter, 7pp. 4to., written by Bvt. Brig. Gen. Edgar M. Gregory, as commander of the 2nd Brig., 1st Div., 5th Corps., "Ford's Station, S. Side Rail R. 20 miles west of Petersburg, April 26, 1865," in part: "We are here guarding railroad, 7 miles. All quiet and peaceful, among ignorant people. The blacks know about the same as the whites…I propose to go to Petersburg and Richmond in a few days [it] takes 2 hours to go to Richmond…the people seem glad that there is a proposal of peace [they are] generally out of food and are coming in in crowds…a poor miserable set of indolent people. Thousands of slaves of all complexions. They act well and appear willing to work. No guerillas about. My brigade in fine condition, good men and some poor officers…we get nothing official from Johnston's army. There will be some changes in the army. My officers are out fishing…I have a fine Black boy given to me by the mother at the house where Lee made his formal surrender. He is a fine boy, also have a fine little dog for Harry…the war is about at an end…the rebellion is used up and the end of the war is near…our leading spirits have done some things that I would not have done with traitors. Traitors in my judgement should not wear swords or carry arms. Leading traitors should be executed according to law…I suppose for the present we must bear it…I would not worry any more about the death of our loved President. He has gone to the eternal home. God will direct the storm and order all things…to this great event in our country. We cannot understand now…and we shall see why God permitted this hellish murder. My mind has been greatly moved by it…the system of slavery will qualify men to do the darkest deeds known…I have some beautiful times with the scoundrels here. They must walk strait where I am or take the consequences. The country is full of negroes. The poor whites are the hardest looking set you ever saw. There are a great many families of Gregorys in this country…one called to see me, introduced himself. I asked him if he was a rebel. He said No sir, never. I have fought against the war and all in it…greatly to my injury. He was a good man but I learn there are others…[that were] heavy slaveholders and for the war. [I] hope they will keep out of my tent and out of my way…they must not throw their tobacco spit about my tent nor breath one word of secesh doctrine…I have advise two of them when the[y] complained [that] our soldiers had taken their hogs, that our soldiers had not robbed the dead or starved our prisoners of war, burnt northern hotels, nor murdered the honest president of the country…they asked me if I charged these crimes upon the[m]. I replyed I charge it upon all that have sustained the damning rebellion caused by the slaveholders of the south. They could judge whether they were included. They are the most uncouth [?], dark haired ill looking set of beings I ever saw. The women most all chew and smoke immoderately. They talk war and say the poor people have had to do all the fighting. A rich man's war and a poor man's fight…your father, E. M. Gregory." Near fine
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