Description:

Martha Washington Plant Civil War Archive of 4 Letters To Nephew, Mentioning Lincoln and Various Battles

A collection of four letters, with an additional partial letter, from Martha Washington Plant to her nephew, Richard Shimp of the 10th New Jersey Infantry Regiment. Shimp enlisted on November 8, 1861, as a Private and was mustered into Company H. He reenlisted after his three-year contract was up, and served until the end of the war. During his service, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal in January 1865. Shimp survived the war and was mustered out in July 1865. Martha's letters to her nephew contain remarkable content, showcasing the anxiety that those at home felt for their loved ones and how they attempted to help the troops at the front. Martha was also a deeply patriotic woman and shares these views in great detail, along with her joy at Lincoln being re-elected as President. Highlights from the letters can be found below:

June 13, 1864; Washington, D.C.: "…Oh! How many signs and tears have choked on utterance when reading your interesting and highly prized letters. Only to think of our gallant little hero, lying flat on the battlefield writing to his far off friends and then to know that he is hungry and thirsty and that we cannot offer him anything to refresh him, nor to appease his hunger. But have courage, be good of heart. If only you are spared to return again to your friends, you can look back upon the past with Patriotic and Heroic enthusiasm, challenge your country to witness your unparalleled devotion to her cause…For three or four weeks past, either Celie & I, or Celie and Lollie have been down at the Christian Commission every day, nearly all day, assisting them to unpack boxes that are sent them, sorting out and putting everything in its proper place, putting up orders for the Front and for the Hospitals, and many other things. At home we have been cooking preserves & pickles over to keep them for our poor suffering soldiers!...Aunt Martha." [4pp, measuring 8" x 10"]

August 25, 1864; Washington, D.C.: "…every one says you were 'Bully Boys'. And the Johnnies caught you at last did they? But the Yanks fooled the Johnnies after all. Good for you…Willie says remember her to your rebel messmate and tell him she would like to send him enough of handkerchiefs to wipe out all the stain of ever having been a rebel…Celie dreamed one night since she has been sick that she was dressed all in soldier's clothes and standing side by side with you fighting…Your same old Auntie Martha W Plant." [3pp, measuring 8" x 10"]

Undated, partial letter: "…learn of so many of your Regt being killed and wounded…Poor Celie is almost crazy to get on the battlefield but it seems sometimes as if she is never to get there. Something always disappoints her…Sometimes we visit Hospitals but not often. They do not give us time. Within the last few weeks we have made over 100 slings of different kinds, and hemmed about 300 Hdkfs and towels and we still have more to make…" [3pp, measuring 8" x 2.5"]

November 13, 1864; Washington, D.C: "…Give my kind regards to Sergt. Robertson and tell him I am very much obliged to him for his kindness, and henceforth I shall reckon him among my boys of the 10th N.J. Vols. that is, with his permission…Hoping that there's a better time coming. 'Father Abe' is elected, any how, and 'I don't care whether school is kept or not.' [A phrase likened to "come hell or high water] Three cheers for 'Father Abe'. Three cheers for 'Johnson'. Three cheers for the '6th Corps' and three more for Co. H 10th Regt. N.J. Vols…Clint and Mr. Bentle send love and say make haste and give the Johnnies their last pill, and come home…Martha Washington Plant." [4pp, measuring 6.5" x 8"]

April 3, 1865; No place: "My dear, dear Shimp where are you and what is your fate? We know not if you are among the living, the dead, the well, or the wounded!...when we learned of last Wednesday's battle, we were troubled for our boy and for many others. Oh! how we have hoped that your eyes might behold 'Richmond' where our dear old 'Flag' should wave proudly over it again…Father Abe writes that you the 6th Corps alone captured more than 3,000 prisoners. How much better to capture the rebel devils than to kill them. We will have a chance to teach them hereafter how to behave themselves - and how much better to save our own 'brave boys' than to have them murdered up…if this should reach you, let it tell you, that we never felt for you more intense concern than we do at this time. You have been in many battles…I was born on the day of 'Independence' on 'Liberty' street - my father sent word to call me 'Martha Washington' and to cover me with the 'Stars & Stripes' but they had thrown the Flag over the bed and I was born beneath it. Now isn't this something to be proud of? I don’t think anyone else in the land can say the same. Oh! I only wish I could show more patriotism…The Proclamation of 'Peace' is near at hand and then how rapidly our former happiness and comfort will return to us…Oh Shimp they [soldiers] are singing again 'Columbia the Gem of the Ocean.' It almost takes me off my feet I feel as if I want to go out and cheer them 'Hurrah'. I expect tonight or very soon the city will be ablaze with illumination…Martha Washington Plant" [4pp, 7" x 9.75"]

All of the letters have flattened mail folds. Varying degrees of toning, foxing, and soiling. One letter has heavy dampstaining, which affects a portion of the text. Some letters have separations starting and one letter has fully separated at the spine. Overall very good with excellent content. A fantastic addition to any Civil War collection!

The 10th New Jersey Infantry Regiment was organized in July 1861, by the authority of Congress and the War Department. Known as the "Olden Legion", the regiment saw action at the Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. In 1864, the 10th NJ was assigned to the Army of the Shenandoah under General Philip Sheridan and saw further action at Strasburg, Cedar Creek, and Petersburg. The regiment was mustered out and returned home; many veterans of the 10th NJ joined the G.A.R. and frequently attended subsequent reunions.

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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