The "Females" of Jackson, Tennessee Insult Their Union Occupiers.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015

War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Musician Conrad William Betts, 29th Illinois Vols., Jackson, Tenn., June 21, 1862 to his further wife, Ellen M. Sherman, in part: "…we are now camped in the very heart of Secesh. This place (Jackson) is situated at the junction of the Mobile & Ohio and the Mississippi Central Rail Roads. Its 57 miles north west of Corinth and 78 miles south east of Columbus, Ky. Its the country seat of Madison Co. and contains between five and six thousand inhabitants…this place is really beautiful. A great many of the…planters have their residences here. Consequently its a very wealthy place. Old citizens say its the healthiest portion of Tenn…when we came here there was a small squad secesh cavalry here but they soon fled. Some was in such a hurry they threw their saddles clear over their horses and jumped on not knowing their saddles was not under them. The general asked the citizens to surrender. They would not do it but gave us two hours to leave town. During this time there was a couple of batteries planted so as to play on some of their largest buildings…they concluded to surrender. The place is now under Marshall Law…the Females are very insulting as our soldiers pass along the streets. They make up faces at them and make remarks that is really insulting. The Provos Marshall has issued orders to arrest every woman or child, negro or mulatto who insults our soldiers. If this does not put a stop to it he will lay the city in ashes…I would like to touch the fire brand to some of their dwellings and see Southern chivalry…without a thread to cover their nakedness…I would rejoice to see this place without a whole brick or shingle to mark where the city once stood…its almost a settled fact that we are to remain in the service. A move is on foot to furnish us new instruments…our colonel is trying to get the appointment of Military Governor of Arkansas…ever your, Will". The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Also included is a 8pp. 8vo., letter written by Miss. Ellen "Nellie" Sherman to William from May 25, 1862 with its original stamped transmittal cover addressed, "C. W. Betts, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., Care of M. Brayman, 29 Reg., Ill. Vols., Band." Both near fine.

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