Description:

Civil War
Virginia, April 19, 1865
Civil War Soldier's Letter to Wife Re: Lincoln Assassination, "I wish I had old Booth to Punish I would stick his body full of Pins"
ALS

Civil War. Autograph Letter Signed, "M Gunter," 4pp, on one sheet of bifold lined stationery measuring 5" x 8", Camp near South Side R[ail] R[oad], Virginia, April 19, 1865. Expected folds and creases, with separation and loss at same. Areas of dampstaining and minor soiling. Remnants of previous tape repair. In good plus condition.

A young Civil War soldier writes a great content letter to his wife with mention of his health, his sadness over President Lincoln's burial, how he wants to punish John Wilkes Booth, and his recent near miss with death on the battlefield.

In part and with original spelling retained: "My Dear Wife, how do you do this morning Magie. I am very well with the exception of a little bowell complaint. I have just taken a dose of salts. I think this will fix me up all right. I have no news to write, only that it is said in camp that the Seckond Corps is agoing to be sent home but not Discharged as to be subject to Uncle Sam call. Magie, cheer up. I have done my duty & the war is over as shure as you live…god will love you & bless you & I will do the best I can to make home happy when I get home Maggie, I am agoing to fix myself up a little then I am agoing to call on Governor Fenton & try & get on the MP list. This day is a great day with the army. No work to be done. Preaching in every regiment. The father of our Country is to be buried today. I feel truly sad for Old Abe. I wish I had old Booth to Punish I would stick his body full of Pins & feed him on heard tack....

I tell you Maggie I had ought to be thankful to god for the Protection of my life on this terable raid. I have had over fifty very narrow escapes from Death. The last one was at a place called Farmville, Va. A shell bursted...not over 10 feet from me. The shell killed 5 men & wounded 3 & Knocked me over six feet & stunted me. I got up & I did not no where I was for a long time the insides of them lay all around me & I was thunder struck. By gosh Maggie, I am terable luckey. give my love to Pa & Ma. Magie you get the New York Herald of the 14th then you can see what the Seckond does. Our Division Commander was wounded…Good by Magie write often here is my love & a big kiss..."

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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