Description:

Civil War
North Chelsea, MA, April 16, 1865
Civil War Letter From Father To Son Just Two Days After Lincoln Assassination, Excellent Content
ALS

Civil War. Autograph Letter Signed, "Parker H. Pierce," 3pp, on one bifold sheet of blind-embossed stationery measuring 6.25" x 7.75", North Chelsea, [Massachusetts], April 16, 1865. Expected folds and creases, some with minor separation. Light age toning. In near fine condition.

In full: "My Dear Henry / Yours of last Sunday was not rec'd until Friday & the week before not until Thursday although by the postmark on both were dated Monday what is the cause? We have had great rejoicing & mourning the past week, the latter come upon us yesterday morning like a thunder clap, and the whole community is in mourning, except now & then a mean Copperhead that rejoiced in a few places, but they have been compelled to submit. I think how very the sad event will not prevent the speedy return of Peace. The whole community have full confidence in President Johnson, and I hope he will be firm and act according to his speech that he made when Petersburg & Richmond were captured & then we have no fears, but what the Rebels will get there full deserts, which if President Lincoln had have lived, would have been to lenient to them.

I am for hanging all the prominent leaders, confiscating all the property of Rebels who have in any way taken an action part or assisted in any way in the Rebellion except the rank & file of the Army and the proceeds appropriate to renumerate such Union men as has suffered loss by being compelled to abandon their property to the Rebels and for the support of Widows & Orphans of those that have fallen in battle or incapacitated in any way by being wounded, carry this out and we shall never fear another Rebellion and also deprive them of ever holding office of any kind & voting. This is a sure remedy we have had good news for the two last Mondays and I hope tomorrow we shall hear that Mobile has been captured or that Sherman has taken Johnson. It seems that when Lee capitulated he had only 5,000 Guns & some 60 or 70 Generals. He must have lost a great many thousands by desertion and they cannot under any circumstances raise another Army and we may virtually consider the Rebellion at an end and I rather think that we have men at the head of the nation that are equal to any emergency in closing up the Rebellion.

It seems by the Herald of this morning that the Murderers have not yet been arrested but it is not possible for them to escape as no efforts will be spared to effect it. We do not hear anything from George since he wrote us he should leave for New York about the 10th inst. & then make us a visit. We are daily looking for him. Parker I presume has gone after his family. We are now having splendid weather everything looks green. I was at Dorchester yesterday all are as well as usual. Sell all the goods you can for they are falling daily. Much love to all and a good share for yourself / Your aff. Father."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 6.25" x 7.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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