CIVIL WAR 1862 Philadelphia Letter SECESSIONISTS in Baltimore - Andrew Longacre

Description

Lengthy, 4 pg. letter, approx. 5-1/4" x 8", dated at Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 16, 1862, from Andrew Longacre to an American lady friend in Paris, France.
The writer of this letter,
ANDREW LONGACRE
, (1831-1906), was an engraver, watercolorist and a Methodist Minister. He served as Asst. Pastor of the American Chapel in Paris, France (now the American Church in Paris), from 1860-1862.
Son of James Barton Longacre,
(1794-1869), engraver and portrait painter, and
Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia
from 1844 until his death in 1869 - designer of the Indian Head penny and the Double Eagle gold coin.
A well-written letter, with
great content
, writing of a recent visit to Baltimore, where he found his friends and the churches divided between Secessionists and Unionist, and that "
They feel pretty bad in Baltimore, because they see there is little probability of their city going with the South, however the matter is decided".
He also writes of receiving orders to do some paintings, which he is glad for the extra income it will bring.
Includes:
"I had a pretty nice visit to Baltimore last week. I went in to preach a sermon for the Home for Friendless Children, of which Miss Rebecca McConkey and Miss Melissa Baker are managers. I also made a sort of talk about Egypt and the Nile for the benefit of the languishing funds of Light St., where Mr. Thomas Small is pastor. Part of the time I stayed with Charles Baker - where things are about as southern and rebellious as they can be, and the rest of the time at Light St. parsonage - where both Mr. & Mrs. Small (especially Mrs.) are as decidedly Union as possible. It was like going from a hot bath into a cool room. I find my friends in both parties, and they say that my congregations, both of which were large, were the first such gatherings of  both sides that they have had since the troubles began.
People generally avoided the subject of our national difficulties. Mr. Baker, however, wished to know about the subscription to the Cannon fund in Paris. I told him I did it as conscientiously as he said his prayers, and that seemed to satisfy him. He was a little cool at first, but we had a long talk, setting forth our views on both sides pretty fully, without an attempt at argument, and after that he was perfectly cordial. They feel pretty bad in Baltimore, because they see there is little probability of their city going with the South, however the matter is decided.
The worst thing there is this division of the church. They do not take (the Secessionists) one church building, but a great many people, and some half a dozen able preachers.
The defection is worst among the wealthy Methodists. The whole thing is very bad indeed. Just at present there is a lull in their storm. People have talked so much, and have gone so far, that a sort of tepid reaction has ensued....It was fortunate for my peace of mind, that I got through my visit while the calm lasted....
I am busy painting. Two of these applications came to me some weeks ago, and I could not resist the temptation to add a little of my income in my way. It will all be used by Xmas. But it keeps me busy just now...
Andrew Longacre"
There are a couple of tears, neatly repaired with archival document tape. Fine.
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