Description:

Soldier Writes to His Sweetheart Re: Gunshot Wound, A Funeral and A Wedding, Civil War

Autograph Letter Signed, "Sam Crager", 2pp on lined bifolium stationery, 5" x 8" (folded), Pana, Illinois, November 1, 1863. Pencil notations from previous collector and damage to top edge at verso, neither of which affect text of letter. Expected mailing folds and minor toning. In fine condition. Accompanied by a fine example of a "Royal Blue" cigar box label, ca. 1910, embossed and bronzed, 4.5" x 4.5".

The letter, in full, and separated by paragraphs for ease of reading: "Dear Annie with pleasure I seat myself to write you in answer to your kind note which has been received sometime since but through my negligence has been neglected untill the present time. I am well this time & hope that you & balance of family are enjoying the same fruition of Gods greatest blessings. We have had 2 large snows here since the receipt of your letter there is considerable now on the ground but it is going off very fast & it is very muddy & sloppy now. Do you have any winter in Virginia yet but I guess not."

"There was a funeral here to day of a soldiers wife. I attended & heard an able sermon preached. I write this letter under many difficulties for on Tuesday night a week ago I had my middle finger on my right hand shot by a Copperhead & it makes it difficult for me to hold a pen yet & there is a wedding this evening in town at 1/2 past seven & it is now six so you see that I am in great trepidation for fear I shall not get to wish the happy couple success & sigh to think it aint me. Don't you wish it was?"

"Annie I have bought that album that I have been talking about so much & now I wait with patience for something from you to put into it but I really must close excuse the short letter & pay it to my sore hand. Ever yours Sam Crager."

Samuel E. Crager was a sergeant in Company "C" of the 143rd Illinois Infantry, hailing from Pana, Illinois. Crager enlisted May 14, 1864, was mustered June 11, 1864 and was mustered out September 26, 1864.

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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