Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A great war-date Confederate sympathizer's, 3pp. 4to., letter written by HENRY J. CARROLL considered one of the largest slave owner's in Maryland who owned approximately 70 slaves during the Civil War. Appointed a lieutenant in an early Maryland pro-Southern militia unit he problems with Lincoln's administration seemed to stem from his sheltering an accused Rebel spy in December 1861. Two weeks later he was arrested, charged with disloyalty and imprisoned at Old Capitol Prison, Washington until paroled by order of Brig. Gen. Andrew Porter. After being newly freed many of his slaves joined the Union army. In his indignant letter Carroll addresses Capt. Joab N. Patterson, 2nd New Hampshire Vols. [WIA Gettysburg, 7/2/63] as provost marshall at Point Lookout Confederate POW Prison Camp, "Great Mills, St. Mary's Co., Maryland, Dec. 18, 1863" in part: "I wish to inform you of the conduct of some soldiers…commanded by a Sergeant…Beane. A squad of them came to my house yesterday…and said they had heard I had a carbine, pistol and sabre. I told them I had. They wished to see them. I brought out my carbine and pistol. The sabre they declined looking at. I told them it was an old saber…they told me the arms were not such as they were ordered to take. The next morning one of the squad came and wished to see the arms again. I produced them. He said he had orders to take them which he did after giving me a receipt for them. I cannot imagine why I am so annoyed by these men. I have never interfered with the…I have not aided or [?] deserters who I hear they are here to look for. There has been soldiers stationed on my farm and in the neighborhood ever since the war began…I have never been annoyed but once and that was not by authority of superior officers. That was a search for the same arms your soldiers have taken…the officer…punished the men for making the search…the arms have been in my house ever since and have never been used against any men. I was arrested that winter [December 30, 1861] by a detective [L. C. Baker] and taken to Washington, put in prison [Old Capitol Prison] by him but was humbly discharged in a few days. Now if I had…been guilty of violating any laws of my country, which I deny…the President after my arrest issued a Proclamation pardoning all previous offenses. Now I defy anyone to prove I have violated any law since…I hope [that there is] honesty from the President in his views of conducting our government. I have sufficient reason to believe you don't wish to interfere with a man's political opinions by our election this fall, which you did not interfere with. I now…respectfully request you…give me…protection from the soldiers as a peaceable citizen…from unnecessary molestation and protection of my property which the laws of my country give me. If you consider me a dangerous person to have fire arms I hope you will compensate me for these taken, if not, please be so good as to have my arms returned to me. I fear your soldiers have been listening to tales of negroes and I am sorry to say some meddlesome white persons. I will refer you to…all my respectable neighbors as to my character and conduct. I have written to my friend Doct. Forrest to see you in reference to the annoyance of the soldiers…who I believe often visits the Point. There is a squad of Regular cavalry stationed near me but I presume discharge their duties as all other soldiers heretofore done here. Very respectfully…Henry J. Carroll." Expected folds, else VG to near fine.
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