CSA/NORTH CAROLINA SOLDIER LETTER WITH COVER

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Originally $485.00

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Item Code: 565-121

Dated Yorktown, VA, June 27, 1861. From “Willie Lowrance”, addressed to “Mrs. A. E. Ervin/Morganton/NC”. 6pp., in ink, on unlined paper measuring 8 x 5”. The accompanying cover measures 2.5 x 4.25”, and features a small colored first national flag in the upper left  corner, with the Morganton address, written cursively in ink across the center. Letter exhibits fold marks & slight yellowing, else VG;  the envelope has been opened along its top edge and displays light patches of soiling, else VG. Both letter and cover are protected in plastic sleeve.

Willy Lowrance is a North Carolina enlisted man is writing from the Yorktown Peninsula seventeen days after Big Bethel, the first land battle of the American Civil War. The letter is addressed to Mrs. A.E. Ervin, a female relative of a boyhood friend cited in the letter. The tone of deference with which Lowrance addresses Mrs. A.E. Ervin, reflects   her high social standing, though his articulate prose indicates that Lowrance himself is a member of the gentry.

Lowrance writes of his surprise at having received a letter from Mrs. Ervin, and on goes on to mention a soldier named “Phil[ip]”, a staff officer of sorts, who seems to be an Ervin relative, possibly a son. Lowrance provides military context by citing the activity of General Ben Butler, who commanded Union forces at Big Bethel, and who would later order, on June 24th, an expedition up the Back River which would destroy 14 Confederate transports. Writing three days later, on June 27th, Lowrance makes reference to the Butler’s movement.

Text excerpts:

“As I am not very well today , I did not have to go one duty, and I though, as I am able to stir about, that I could not spend my time more profitably or pleasantly than in writing you a short note, in acknowledgement of your very friendly and much esteemed letter, which I received by Thifer [?]. I was not expecting a letter from you, I had formed a great attachment to you and family, but I was not aware that you thought enough of me as to write me so kind a letter.

I do not know how Phi [lip?] is pleased with military life. I think he is well pleased he has received an appointment. I don’t know that it is a very high one but he is constantly in the best of company Col. Hill, Col. Lee, Lieut.-Col. Lane etc. He is also [?] outside of a private soldier, which are pretty hard to some of us. He messes at our Capt.’s tent. He has been quite successful in getting such a position. When  he returns to you he will not be so white and fair as he is now. He is the most gentlemanly looking man we know.

We are all almost as yellow as pumpkins, my ears were blistered by the sun sometime back, and he  [Phil..] will be nearly as bad if he wears that cap you made for him, which by the way I admire very much. I think there must some yankee about you.  I think you can beat the yankee for Phil… the hat is much better and nicer than those we got in Raleigh, for which we gave $2 each

The dirt exposure and hardships of a soldier do not agree with me very well. I have not been in perfect health for some weeks & but hope I will soon get used to it so that I can do much good for my country. After my time is out I intend to volunteer again if peace is not made.  It is a great consolation to know that we  have friends at home who think of and pray for us.

I am happy to say we have a most moral regiment. It is the general remark of the country. There is more sociability, less swearing and dissipation, than at almost every college you can find. And I think I can say there are many praying much more in this regiment, who were not so three months ago…

The army is generally made up of the worst men in the country, but it is the reverse with our men. I don’t think you need worry about phil becoming immoral or being infirm in the least. On the contrary….

We have now made arrangements to get our cooking done better and I think it will take a good many of our men out of the hospital.  I am sorry to say that our hospital has been pretty well filled for a couple of months. Measles are very numerous. I understand that mumps are also at the hospital. I am fearful we will have fever and small pox, but God forbid that we should meet with such a fate. Give  us Yankees any day in preference to those.

The enemy [Ben Butler’s forces on the Back River Expedition] is getting nearer us every day almost. We sent out a force of near 3000 this morning and I guess there will be some big fighting before night. The enemy landed a great many troops yesterday 8 miles below us.  Genl. Butler intends to attack this place soon, perhaps tomorrow or this evening. All our officers are in great hurry about something. But I will not trouble you by reading any more of such. I could tell you a great deal if I was with you.

Tell Mr. Ervin I wrote to him, at his request….Remember me kindly to Sallie, Mrs. Ervin, and Miss Mar…if she is at home. Believe me to be your sincere young friend….Willie Willie Lowrance.”

A definitive identification has not been established for Willie Lowrance; a handful of soldiers with that name served in North Carolina units, though it appears he may have been serving in the 1st North Carolina Infantry when this letter was written. Brief amount of online research material included.

Excellent content. Great CSA collectible for Tarheel aficionados. Invites further research.

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