Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
A patriotic young Southern woman's letter, 6pp. 8vo., written by Lucy Davis, Elm Wood, Va., May 17, 1861 to her brother Capt. Alexander Mathews Davis of Co. C 45th Virginia Infantry, in part: "Dear Absent Brother…have you got your company armed yet? I hope you succeeded in getting the very best arms. While at college we saw several thousand soldiers going on. They appeared to be well armed with muskets, pistols & swords. All seemed to be in fine spirits. The French from N. O. passed one evening. We were all out on the platform. One man showed his flag and told us he intended to bring Lincoln back in it…he was applauded well for it. I do not care how many French we have with us. They are brave and will fight. The troops from Tenn. were stout looking and I hope in the day of battle they will show the Yankees that they are able to fight. I see in the dispatch quite a compliment to the "Dare Devils" and I am sure there could not be too much praise given them. They well deserve the name and should that pitiful Seventh [New York] regiment…they will soon be driven back. Oh! I feel confident that the South will whip the North. God is with us…shall they invade our soil and we stand still No. no. rather would I see everyone die than thus be appeased…some pieces written by the wretches how they threaten us. I feel like I could fight myself…I'd love to see them conquered…ours is a just cause…every brave man strike for your country, strike for the glorious South. It is my prayer that peace be restored to our land without the shedding of blood but this can not be…let every brave man draw the sword…the South will defend herself…mother feels almost like she could fight "old [Horace] Greely" after reading some of his mean pieces…the women and all are ready to fight…Alexander have you got a flag yet? I hope you have…all the companies have one several on the train last week. They unfurled them to sand some of the soldiers drew out their swords and waved to us. All were greeted very cordially by the ladies. We showered the bouquets and provision among them and they in return complimented the fair ones of the "old Dominion"…you must provide yourself well with warm clothing…Lucy." ... A separate post script reads, in part: "I am so glad you have such a fine company…they have & ever will have the kindest wishes of my heart and my most fervent prayer prayer is for them. Oh! I feel like calling them all brothers who are fighting in our behalf." The rare Confederate use of a pre-paid Federal three-cent Nesbit postal entire transmittal cover is also included. Post marked on May 20, 1861. Overall VG to near fine
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