Description:

Civil War
Nashville, TN, April 23, 1865
Civil War Soldier's Lengthy ALS Re: Lincoln Assassination Plus More, Superb Content!
ALS

Civil War. Josiah Cole Reed (1831-1884). Autograph Letter Signed, "J Reed," 8pp, on ruled bifold stationery measuring 5" x 8", Nashville, Tennessee, April 23, 1865. Additionally signed with the author's initials at postscript as "J.R." Includes original transmittal envelope. Expected mailing folds with separation and minor loss. Lightly toned with a bit of ink splatter and scattered soiling. In near fine condition.

At the close of the Civil War, Reed pens a lengthy letter from the Officers Hospital to his "Dear Friend Lizzie" on the tragic assassination of President Lincoln, the new president, "Andy Johnson," John Wilkes Booth, and Jefferson Davis.

Excerpts:

"The war is not entirely over with yet but certainly there is left yet but little for us to do but to reorganize the Rebel territory and punish leading Rebels in our possession. Lee and Johnston have both now surrendered and we have only the Trans-Mississippi Dept to clear out..."

"We have many reasons for rejoicing and thanks giving, for the sweet angel of peace is about to smile once more upon our fair land. But in the midst of rejoicing we have been visited with a great calamity. Every loyal heart must feel that the malice and hate which prompted the assassination of our great and good leaders would prompt a like deed to them if it could only be done with perfect safety. The nation deeply mourns the loss of a great and truly good man..."

"I like Andy Johnson's colors and I hope he will stick to the task. He says treason must be treated as a crime and traitors must be made odious. This is only simple justice and a deviation from it would not result in any good to the government. Or in Johnson's own language, mercy to individuals is not always mercy to the state."

"On Wednesday 19th, the funeral ceremonies of the President were celebrated here with much feeling and considerable display. The was a lengthy procession...and it was easy to see that the ceremonies were attended with more solemnity than is generally displayed on such occasions. Everyone seemed as though they has lost a personal friend."

You ask me if I think the war will close as soon as it would have done had this sad occurrence not have happened. I do not think it will make much difference...I do not want to see any of the rebel leaders escape, but there are two I want to see caught and brought to justice...Booth & Jeff Davis..."

Reed enlisted as a private on September 24, 1862, and served in Co. I, 94th Ohio Infantry. After being wounded at the Battle of Stones River, he was put on light duty in the dispensary at Officers Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Here, he pursued a career in medicine, having studied for the profession before the war. Reed remained at the hospital for two and a half years, and after being honorably discharged from the service in March of 1865, he went to New York to complete his medical training at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating in 1866.

The letter's recipient, "Lizzie," is Elizabeth Freeman (1843-1928). At the time of this letter, she was married to one George F. Woodard. After his death in April 1863, Josiah Reed and Lizzie continued their correspondence, and in 1867, Reed became Lizzie's second husband. They had four children together.

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: 5" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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