Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
Great war-date Confederate soldier's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by Corp. Alexander Porter Morse, Co. I (Morgan Rangers), 1st Louisiana Cavalry, Baton Rouge, Nov. 28, 1861 to his mother Margaretta S. Morse (Wederstrandt), in part: "Mr. Pettis is kind enough to take my truck back worth him to the city…there is also a bundle of old clothes with a silver watch enclosed. They belong to a messmate of mine who requests me to have them kept with my things…the Magnolia is not yet in sight…everything is in readiness & we only wait the boat to go aboard. I am at present writing in the post office. My horse stands at the door, bridled, saddled & equipped…tell Nathan I guess I will be in an engagement before him…and if I represent this generation in the first fight I will try & do them the fullest credit…the "Bonnie Blue Flag" is a favorite song among our men and maybe continually heard wherever there is a Morgan Ranger. In the regiment our company is called Co. I & form with Capt. Williams a fine company, the fourth squadron. I enclose our camp song which we will sing…at our departure…at Morganzato make our adieus to the ladies of St. Coupee, who will, we understand be in full force to give us a hearty greeting and a God speed…I will write you at Memphis…on my arrival in Columbus will…give you my impressions of the city, soldiers, generals & positions…that my notes may be of some interest. I will give you facts when I know them to be facts & not rehearse rumors…Malcolm [his brother] paid me a very pleasant visit & gave me some excellent advise as to wounds, gun shots etc that will probably be very servicable to me in or after a battle. Already the wealth & beauty of Baton Rouge are gathering in to see us off…much love to all at home & a remembrance to the servants…Robertson has been appointed our commissary & I leaner a better man for the position could not be found…your devoted son, A. P. Morse". Morse's mother Margaretta adds a note on the verso, in part: "Dear Nathan, Please to take care of these letters for me. They may be the last I shall ever receive from him…George handed your letters & papers to your Uncle Johnny as he went on board the steam boat…the doctor put them in his carpet bag instead of in the clerk's office & left them at Harlem [Plantation, his mother's childhood home located 35 miles south of New Orleans on the Mississippi river.] requesting they should be sent on to you…Porter's letter was written in pencil but was very spirited & interesting, one of the four pages giving an account of their first day's march from Morganza to Baton Rouge. Keep it for your affectionate mother. M. S. Morse". Negligible pin holes at left margin, else VG
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