War Has Caused Much Grief While "Negroes" Make Their Shoes

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016

A good Southern Citizen's letter, 12pp. 8vo., written by Annie E. Bogart (1830-1906) Washington, N. C., Nov. 16, 1863 to her cousin Sarah M. Bogart of New Brunswick, New Jersey, reading, in small part: "…we have never been called to experience such a loss but have hearts that can feel and sympathize with others…it seems only a few months, a family of wealth and influence, citizens of this place, on approach of the Federals, left a comfortable…and happy home…and with many other families sought refuge up the country…one of that family was an only daughter nearly 17…she was the pride of that household…but…while the Confederates were in garrison here she was the gayest of all parties…she was much admired by the officers and was indeed very attractive…before the town was evacuated [she] had given her heart to one of Carolina's brave defenders. The engagement would have been consummated…had it not been for the sad events which occurred soon after their departure…diphtheria entered the family…all hope that Hannah would escape…she suffered acutely for a short time…you have read on account of the execution of Dr. D. M. Wright of Norfolk. What a shocking affair! He was an old friend of ours having resided in Edenton…he was a fine gentleman…the nuptials of his second daughter took place in the jail…before the execution…he wished…that the family had a protector before he left the world…he leaves a lovely family…what dreadful troubles and desolation this war has brought upon us! Oh; that it could end…Aunt Margaret Vandyke's…situation in Mississippi is very uncomfortable at present, no stores, nor churches near them and provisions very scarce and high…she paid $14 for a pair of shoes roughly made by a negro and $15 for a pair of slippers she sent to Mobile for. The prices of things in the Confederacy are enormous. Cousin Lizzie with her family left…a month ago for Mobile. Uncle Neil is living in Brookhaven teaching and preaching. John [is] in the army in the capacity of chaplain. Douglas at Camp Parole. No one at home now…Auntie and Sallie…their servants were all with them yet, tho' others have left and are leaving by the 500 [train]…I have been disappointed in making my trip…but still hope to make it…indisposition has prevented my making any effort towards getting a pass…I find another difficulty…no passes are granted…to go through the Federal lines into the Confederacy and hen return which I desired to do. They will allow persons to leave the lines but to remain out…I am sorry to hear that Cousin Robert met with such a disaster at sea but…thankful that all escaped. My best love to him…I have been detained waiting for this likeness. I called last week to have it taken but the artist was out of materials so I was compelled to wait till he received a supply from New Bern. Nov. 20th this is the best likeness I could have taken here. It is pretty good as my face naturally bespeaks trouble…we al think this has…a more melancholy look than I usually have but the trying times…have almost worn me out…Cousin Henry sympathies strongly with the South and offers to do all in his power to assist…his Southern friends who may be captured and imprisoned…he is very kind and we thank him very much for his sympathizes…Annie E. Bogart." Also included is a rare Washington, N. C. "PAID 3" post mark. Near fine.

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