Two Original Civil War Letters: Black Enlistment; Copperheads and the 1864 Election

Item Details

1863

Two one-of-a-kind, fascinating handwritten letters related to the American Civil War. They are written by two different people to Daniel Orcutt of Elmira, NY. The first, dated October, 1863, is from K(?) W Brown of Troy, PA and includes the original envelope and stamp. In it, Brown discusses that Daniel and another friend were found to be exempt from service, one due to a foot issue. Another friend had a fight with the Police Chief. Of special interest is the comment toward the end of the letter: “We are now exemaning [sic)\] men every day and it is fun I tell you. We examined 5 darkies this morning and 4 of them are going.” Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in January of 1863 sanctioned Black recruitment into the Army and  Navy, and by May of 1863, the United States Colored Troops were formed in order to recruit and organize the training of Black  soldiers.

The second letter is just dated October 18^th but based on the content, must also be from the Civil War period. Along with discussion of rates received for working with timber (and possibly the railroad?) of $1.50 to $2.00 per day, the Northerners who were anti-war (“Copperheads”) are discussed: “Election (?) and this cold snap has made the Copperheads hole up here …we shall knock the bollix off of them when the soldiers vote comes in.” So likely this letter is from October 1864, as the 1864 elections were held November 8^th, about 3 weeks in the future.

Both in very good condition overall and a unique set. See also my other Civil War items.