Description:

Civil War
Huntington, IN, May 9, 1865
Ohio Teacher Arrives in Northeastern Indiana; Finds It to Be a "Secession Hole" in 1865
ALS

[CIVIL WAR.] S. Z. Kaufman, Autograph Letter Signed, to Myers, May 9, 1865, Huntington, Indiana. 3 pp., 5" x 8.5". Light toning; very good.

"I found myself in the midst of strangers, who prove to be Copperheads, and Butternuts. I have not yet seen ‘Columbia's lovely Stripes—The Star Spangled Banner' floating over the domes of Huntington. By the appearance of the town, there seems to be written upon the exterior, ‘Secession Hole.'"

S. Z. Kaufman wrote this letter to "Professor Myers," likely a former teacher, describing the town of Huntington, Indiana. Although in northern Indiana, the town seemed to have many southern sympathizers, even at the end of the Civil War.

Complete Transcript
Huntington, Indiana.
May 9th, 1865.
Prof. Myers:
Dear friend; I frankly acknowledge my negligence for not addressing you before this, and trust you will pardon me for the same. I did not leave Summit Station on the day of my departure, until near 6 O'Clock P.M. And then went to Wooster, on foot, and in about a half hour, after leaving Smt. Station the train passed me with impetuous speed, however, I reached Wooster, and was just as well satisfied, as I would have been by going on the train. On reaching Wooster I found my parents awaiting me; After getting the frame for the Specimen of Penmanship I went to the Station, and waited for the arrival of the train, which arrived at 9 O'Clock P.M.
I then took a ‘Farewell look' at Wooster, and set out on my journey. When the glimmering lights of that fair "Incorporated village" vanished from my view, I felt reluctant to leave that fair vicinity wherein was my old Familiar Home; And when the shrill whistle of the Engine proclaimed the destination of my journey, I found myself in the midst of strangers, who prove to be Copperheads, and Butternuts. I have not yet seen "Columbia's lovely Stripes—The Star Spangled Banner" floating over the domes of Huntington. By the appearance of the town, there seems to be written upon the exterior, "Secession Hole."
The cause of education is not near so much in progress as 'tis in Ohio. During the summer there are no funds for summer Schools, and during the winter the Schools are only a trifle—a mere nothing at least I have been so informed by others; It appears evident that they understand not the voice of the "ceaseless tide of learning that ebbs and flows around them.["] All that is chiefly taught in this vicinity, is the art of splitting rails, and the science of driving a yoke of oxen. "Can't see it" to remain here very long.
I herewith send a Photograph which please give to Mrs. M. E. Myers. I promised to send one before I left.
Write soon, and if you please send me a few Copies. And at some convenient time send me yours, and your wife's Photograph.
After again requesting you to write soon, I close,
Very Respectfully; S. Z. Kaufman.

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 8.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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