Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A rare war-date Union pastor's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by ABEL CHARLES THOMAS (1807-1880) Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 26, 1862 to the father of Rufus Robbins concerning the dire case of his son's failing health while Philadelphia's U. S. General Hospital. Abel Charles Thomas (1807-1880) Quaker pastor who was a Universalist evangelist, minister, journalist and historian. He mentored aspiring young female writers in Lowell, Mass. during the 1830's and became well known through his many published works which were decidedly religious in nature. Not afraid to take on a fight he became embroiled in controversy over which catholic church in the U. S. was divinely ordained. During the war looked after the many sick and wounded soldiers of Philadelphia's hospitals. Being a member of the Society of Friends perhaps best explains why he addresses father Robbins as "brother." The letter, reads, in part: "Dear Sir and Brother: Mrs. Thomas and I visited your son this afternoon. He is…in the West Philad. Hospital situated about 4 miles from my residence. He has a good bed in a…well-warmed and well-ventilated building, beautifully supplied with provisions and with nurses who strive to do their best. I know nothing of the skill of the attendant physician, but presume he has the confidence of the authorities in charge. There is…a grand overflowing of the bounty of the ladies of our city, in furnishing all conceivable extras for the sick and wounded heroes of the Republic…there was a very liberal Christmas Dinner furnished to all the men by voluntary contributions…all the wards of the immense hospital, accommodating about 3000, are beautiful decorated with evergreen, woven in many fanciful figures and shapes and interspersed with mottoes of flags…you son. I consider a very sick man. Honesty requires me to say this to you without reservation. He has long been troubled with diarrhea that has become chronic. I do not mean that he is beyond the reach of cure…I have insisted that he shall call for tapioca, sag and other nourishing articles fitted to his case and he has promised me that he will do so. One of the surgeon orderlies (a soldier friend of mine) will have a special eye to Rufus…it is desire[d] that he should come to my house on a pass as soon as he is able…it would do him good…I will make an appeal to Dr. Hayes to have him discharged…Rufus bade me say to you that he has a strong constitution and he is determined to get well. I am sure our visit gave him good courage. I will go to see him again…there are so many hospitals that I cannot go very often to any one of them…truly yours, Abe C. Thomas, 218 Lombard, St. Philada." The original stamped transmittal cover is included. Overall VG to near fine.
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