Addressed to Julia St. Clair. Dated “Annapolis, Maryland, May [Aug?] 6 [1861]. 3 pp. in ink on lined paper, 5” x 8. Exhibits fold-marks. Else VG.

Walter Scott was a resident of Norristown, PA, who enlisted as private in the 4^th PA Volunteers [3 months service], 4/20/1861. With their service expiring on the eve of the Battle of Bull Run, the regiment decided not to re-enlist and the unit was mustered out 7/27/1861.

Julia St. Clair (1842-1864) was a great-grand daughter of Revolutionary War general Arthur St. Clair.  Walter Scott was obviously a pre-war Norristown, PA, acquaintance with whom she had friends in common.

Text summary:

Scott writes that he hoped to hear from Julia before now and was disappointed that he hadn’t. He goes on to say that he can’t believe that her “southern sympathies” would prevent her from writing a northern volunteer [which may well have been the case]. He mentions a mutual Norristown friend—Annie Pauling—“has come out under the Secession flag, and is almost universally shunned in consequence.” Scott goes on to say that his unit is moving on to Washington and expects to go south to attack Richmond [little realizing that his regiment will be mustered out just before the Battle of Bull run]. He says he expects the Battle to be bloody, and if he die, it will be for a glorious cause.  [JP]

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