Raynors HCA 2018-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2018
A good early war-date New York Merchant's letter, 2pp. 8vo., written by a certain "J. W. Briggs", Macedon, N. Y., May 1, 1861, to a North Carolinian, reading, in part: "I am sorry I am not able to send you more of the prolific pickle cucumber seed. I have run out completely…we did hope until quite recently that N. C. would adhere to the Union. The mass of the people of the Southern states are most woefully deceived by their Political leaders about the policy of the Administration and the Republican party and now being deceived in regard to position of affairs at the North…since the requisition by the President…for troops more than 100,000 above…have volunteered in defense of the Constitution & Laws & Stars & Stripes of our beloved country. But sir you are a Southerner and would perhaps deliberately shoot me through the heart if the opportunity was offered. The North for a long time manifested no disposition to fight their brethren of the South and bore ten times the insult from them…but sir I assure you…that in less than 24 hours after the attack upon Fort Sumter the entire Northern states was a unit. All party lines were melted down and flowed in one channel…The Union! The Union!! and nothing but the Union. The struggle will doubtlessly be hard and long drawn out and though the people of the North (expect a few fanatics) were not…disposed to meddle with the Southern institution of slavery, but if this war goes on Slavery will end with it. Glad to hear from you at anytime. Your truly, J. W. Briggs.". Minor soiling, else VG.
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