Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A very poignant war-date Union mother's letter detailing the last moments and death of Pvt. Rufus Robbins, 7th Massachusetts Vols., who died of disease of Philadelphia's U. S. General Hospital on January 7, 1863. As a famed pastor's wife, Mrs. M. L. Thomas, pens the 7pp. 8vo., letter, Philadelphia, Feb. 16, 1863 to the mother of Rufus and is perhaps one of the most touching, heartfelt and detailed account we have offered concerning the death of a Union soldier. This letter reads, in very small part: "My dear Mrs. Robbins, Before Rufus died I promised him that…I would write to his dear mother and tell her what he wanted said to her. Afterwards his father and brother came and received those parting words from his own lips, but I still felt as if I too would like to communicate with you and tell you something of your dear son's last hours…his faith was dear, strong and unwavering. He told me over and over…he had no fears, he would like to see his mother, but it was the Lord's will. He was quite willing to go. He spoke of death more as a journey…rather then a dreaded change…he told me of a very beautiful Psalm…you had written him about…he could not remember exactly where it was…he was very weak and his memory failed him sometimes…he had read it very often while down on the Peninsula…I told him it was the 91st Psalm and repeated a part of it to him which seemed to give him great satisfaction. He said after reading that I never felt afraid of any dangers…for I new it was all in God's hand…he hoped to live to get home to see his dear mother. He thought she would feel so bad to have him die among strangers…at last he suddenly grew much worse…Mr. Thomas telegraphed for his father…but we thought it best not to tell him lest something should prevent his father's coming…[after a dream he said]…I could not keep the tears back when I thought how good God is…you cannot come out to see them [his father and brother] but they shall come to you. After some little silence he said "Mrs. Thomas if I do not live to see any of my folks…would you…write to my mother and tell her not to grieve for me…his father and brother will tell you…how he was situated and the kind attentions he received…of course it was not home…the nurse who attended him. Mr. Loduis in one of the best I ever saw. I have seem a number of times…and for the sake of…Rufus. I have sent…him many nice things for the men…things that were sent to me for sick and wounded soldiers…I hope you have received Rufus' effects…they were taken away by the agent of that [New England] Associates…one of the gentlemen told me that he got the portfolio…and gave Mr. Hall (the Undertaker) an order to get the clothes…if there is any thing else…let me know i will glad to rite it to you. I too am a mother. I too have given back the children that were kindly lent me…and with all a woman's sympathy…I must commend you…trust, as Rufus did, and He will give you [?] Remember me most kindly to Mr. Robbins and Henry…your in sympathy, M. L. Thomas." Following his wife's letter. Pastor Abel C. Thomas adds ten lines of sympathy, reading, in part: "Esteemed Friends: Mrs. Thomas has so fully and…fitly expressed the thought sand feelings appropriate to the occasion…I have nothing to add, except an assurance of my hearty sympathy…we are all in the hands of the Good Father and his merciful overruling are an Eternal Rock…Abel C. Thomas." Also included is a one page epitaph for Rufus, perhaps in Mrs. Thomas' hand, it reads, in part: "Rufus!…thou didst well to enroll thyself under the red banner of the cross of Christ…and agin enlist under the banner of the Union…relieved from duty in the terrestrial camp the great Captain of our Salvation has detailed thee for higher duty…in the Grand Review, we will meet thee!…". Overall VG to near fine.
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