He Is Lassoed and Is Nearly Strangled To Death In A Memphis Hotel

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

War-date Union soldier's letter, 8pp. 8vo., written by Corp. David F. McGowan, Co. I, 47th Illinois Vols., Memphis, Tenn., July 6, 1864, reading, in part: "…our troops all left LaGrange yesterday with thirty days rations. Some say they have gone to reinforce Sherman…the 4th passed off here with very little excitement…I think the citizens would much sooner celebrate the day that Fort Sumter was fired on. The city of Memphis is a very pretty place, but there is very little nature going on. Most of the citizens (although they have taken the oath) are very strong secessionists. There are some fine looking ladies in town though, of corse, I am not acquainted with any of them…I had quite an exciting adventure last night. I was walking about town and stepped into a large hotel and passing along a large passage when quite a fine looking lady came up and shook hands, chiding me for not calling sooner. She was a perfect stranger to me. We continued walking along the passage when I stepped on her skirts. I…apologized for my awkwardness. She only laughed and held her skirts up, when as ill luck would have it I got my foot through her hoops. And such a time as I had getting extricated. As fast as I could get my foot out at one place I would get it in at another. However, I finally got clear and we proceeded. We soon came to where there were a number of ladies and gentlemen when my companion going up to speak to one of the gentlemen I thought I would return to the hospital. Just as I was going out the door I felt a rope around my neck…I was lassoed. I struggled manfully, but vainly and soon found myself suffering for a want of…breath. Just as I was being overcome by strangulation I awoke and found myself in a profuse perspiration…my youngest sister lost her husband during one of the charges on Petersburg. My being at home might make their suffering a little lighter…Dave F." VG

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).