Description:

Civil War
Raleigh, NC, July 3, 1865
Freed Slaves Celebrate First 4th of July in North Carolina, Great Content!
ALS

Reconstruction Era. Autograph Letter Signed, "Truman F. Maxim," 4pp, on one bifold sheet of lined stationery measuring 5" x 8", Raleigh, North Carolina, July 3, 1865. With original transmittal envelope bearing New Bern postmark and inked "Due 3" stamp, neatly letter-opened at side. Expected mailing folds with separation beginning at one upper fold. Light toning. In near fine condition.

On the 4th of July, 1865, the Black community of Raleigh, North Carolina, celebrated their first Independence Day as freedmen (just weeks after the original Juneteenth in Texas.) About 3,000 people marched with banners. As the New York Times reported on July 14, 1865, "the disenthralled slaves enjoyed a celebration of this glorious day, following a programme of their own making, and listening to speakers of their own selection." The Union soldiers who had remained to enforce the peace were asked to stay in camp to avoid disturbing the celebrations. The idea of free Blacks enjoying the holiday while he was stuck in camp was deeply offensive to this particular white Union soldier, who contemplated armed resistance. His letter, to "parents and friends," reads in part, with spelling unchanged, as follows:

"I will tell you about the 4 of July. It was salurbrated mostly by the Negrows. The streets were blacker than a thundercloud. They had such a time as you might supose that the Negrows get up, with the exceptions of a little fire works just to please the Negrows...You will think I am coming down on the Negrows prety hard but I can't help that. You know that I'm a one of these kind that speaks just what I think, and when a General will issue an order not to allow an inlisted man in town without a pass signed by a brigade commander, I think it is time to talk, and if that is not enough, it is time to shoot." 

Truman Francis Maxim (1845-1934) had enlisted in October 1864 as a hired substitute in the 9th Maine Infantry. His regiment mustered out and was sent home on July 13, 1865, just eight days after he wrote this remarkably entitled letter.

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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July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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