Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
Great war-date Confederate soldier's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by Corp. Alexander Porter Morse, Co. I (Morgan Rangers), 1st Louisiana Cavalry, "C. S. Barracks, Baton Rouge, Nov. 20, 1861" to his mother Margaretta S. Morse (Wederstrandt), in part: "We reached this point yesterday…after a forty mile ride…we packed our traps & struck our tents at Camp Morgan…then saddled up…to a point called False River & partook of an excellent supper given us by Col. Alfred Morgan after whom the company has been called, among the delicacies…a fine oyster gumbo, French style, fried chicken & boiled round of beef…we picketed our horse in the court yard & taking our saddles for a pillow & a blanket for a bed occupied the Court House for the night…I was informed that I was corporal of the guard & must take charge immediately…I made the acquaintance of a Mr. Roy, editor of the False River democrat who told me he knew my father…with three cheers for the ladies at Pt. Coupee, three for the planters & three times three for Col. Morgan we turned our faces towards Baton Rouge…at waterloo, seven miles distance…we found it impossible to get anything; our only alternative was to keep on thirteen miles further to W. D. Hinton's plantation; an advance guard of a corporal & one private was then thrown forward to advise Mr. Winter of our approach. On reaching his plantation we found everything in waiting for us. His large & elegant stable was thrown open…there was an abundance of fodder & corn put before our horses…about one o'clock sat down to a splendid meal on Mr. Winter's porch…in a short time we embarked on the ferry boat, crossed the river in two divisions, then formed ranks again & marched to our quarters here where we [were] heartily cheered by the two companies stationed here…we will probably leave here Tuesday next & join the right wing of the regiment at Columbus. Thank Mr. Funks very kindly. The pistol is an excellent one & I like it very much. Butler had better be disposed of if any kind of a cash sale can be obtained for him. If you can do it without fear of fretting him, ask Uncle John to send me twenty five dollars. Sunday before I left Morganza I was invited to a very good diner at the 2nd Lieut's Halsey's. Much love to all. Yr devoted son, A. P. Morse". Contemporary trace over by Porter on page four, tape stains effecting last page for attachment, else VG
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).
Click above for larger image.