Description:

Civil War Letter w/ Music, Anti Lincoln and "nig*r soldiers...if they come here we will charge on them"

An anti-abolition autograph letter signed from a Union soldier. 4pp of a bifolium, measuring 5.25" x 8.25", N.p., dated February 8, 1863. A letter from John McIvason (spelled "McKivison") to his sister. McIvason served in the 2nd Corp, Hancock Division (Company C) of the 148th Pennsylvania Regiment. The soldier writes of recent events in camp and criticizes Abraham Lincoln's policies on African Americans and the ongoing war. In one section, McIvason states that if black soldiers are used then "we will charge on them instead of the Rebs." On the fourth page of the letter are printed lyrics and sheet music for a tune entitled "Volunteers' Memento". There are places within the song to add personalization, which McIvason has done. The music was created by James P. Herron ca. 1862. The letter has flattened mail folds, with toning and soiling throughout. Very good overall.

Highlights from the letter:
"…I have enjoyed remarkable good health ever since I enlisted, with the exception of my eyes being sore a while, but they are well again, and at present I am all right, and in good spirits. I have plenty to eat snen [sic] as it is, and good comfortable quarters which you know is all one could ask. My work is nothing, as I am in the Ambulance Corps… there is no Battle emenant [sic], we expect tomorrow before long. It is more than likely that this corps will move before long, where to we cant tell, but not to Fredericksburg…Tell him [Jim] not to come to the Army, he thinks it is hard getting along at home but he will find it tougher here…

..The principal talk is about the niger soldiers, as Old Abe is going to put them in the Hainess [Haynes], if they come down here we will charge on them instead of the Rebs…I think the war will soon be over. The Boys are all tired of it. The Boys are down on Old Abe. The Boys up there must be better treated than us, as they get Bread, but(ter) and sugar…"

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

September 6, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000