BURNING OF CHAMBERSBURG, PA - JULY 30, 1864 / CIVILIAN CORRESPONDENCE

$300.00 SOLD

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Item Code: 1000-1432

Two letters, dated “Satur”[July 30], and “Sunday Morning [July 31];  both letters in the same hand addressed to “E”, the Sunday letter signed at top, “All well/ Annie.” The Saturday letter, 2 pp., 6.5 x 8”, is written in ink. The Sunday letter, 1 page, 4 x 6.5”, is in pencil; Both letters written on lined paper exhibiting fold-marks. Although the upper right corner of the “Satur” letter has been torn off, obliterating the complete date, both letters are clean and entirely legible.

“Satur” [July 30] text:

“Dear E…..There has been great excitement here today. Everything packed up and gone & horses passing through town. An hour ago, a large party of Union Cavalry came in and a Lieutenant reported the Rebs a few miles out & said he had charged them several times, everybody ran that had horses & he had bee looking for them & now a man from Cashtown reports none of this side of the mountain. It is said they burned the Court House, banks and a house of Duncan’s brother-in-law. I am so sorry I missed your letter today. [The next few lines of the torn-corner reverse are incomplete]. The cars have just came in and I write this note to give to the conductor who will mail it at the nearest point. The engine will be kept fired up and if the Rebs do come they will go, if not he will take it on Monday. We are all pretty well. It was intensely warm here today but we had a nice shower/ In haste/ yours lovingly”

“Sunday morning” text:

“Dear E….I tried to get a dispatch to you this morning to ask if there are any papers I could preserve for you if the Rebs burn us out but I could not get it thru. Chambersburg is burned down. Will was over and saw the ruins, the Warner child was thought to be dying & had to be carried to the woods, the women and children had 15 minutes to leave. I wish I could send of valuables but don’t know how to do it. W. Wesbury will take this to Hagerstown & mail. [On reverse]: Wrote from the cars. May run. [At top]: “All well. Yours Annie.”

Interesting on-the-scene- civilian testimony to the burning of Chambersburg.  Solid collectible. In protective sleeve, w/transcript.  [jp]

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