CONFEDERATE LETTER UNSIGNED TO "DEAR COUSIN" CIRCA 1863 SUMTER SOUTH CAROLINA

Description

"My dear father has been mercifully preserved
through many dangers. He is he in the Army of
Tennessee, in the last battle had his horse shot
under him, his own life mercifully preserved.
He is now on General Johnston’s staff,
Louisiana (?) brigade. I am glad to say they were
complemented by General Hood in the last battle
for their bravery, dear fellow, he has been in the
line since the War began, always in the path of
danger until his health failed, and now his [?]
is a more comfortable one."
Unknown apparently female correspondent to "My Dear Cousin." Sumpter (sic), [South Carolina], Sep[tember] 24, [probably 1863]. Unsigned manuscript letter on two sheets, each measuring 7.25 inches by 5.5 inches, 3 pages, approximately 394 words recorded in ink in a somewhat difficult hand.
Condition:
Old folds, modest edge wear including a couple of nicks & short tears, modest soiling, toning, & foxing, otherwise Very Good.
Please see photos.
Unfortunately unsigned & clearly a dispatch from Sumter, rather than Sumpter, South Carolina, we offer a poignant original Confederate letter transcribed in full below:
“Sumpter (sic), Sep[tember] 24.
My Dear Cousin,
I saw in the paper some short time ago that your house had been burned by the enemy. I hoped it was not true, but find now that it really is the case, and that like myself you are deprived of the comfort of your own fireside at a time when most needed. I can truly sympathize with dear cousin Henrietta and all that she has suffered, her experience and my own so nearly resembling each other, the —?— of our childhood, where so many memories were clustered. But dear cousin, you have all your dear children spared and I pray God you may never have to mourn any one of them cut down by these miserable creatures. The loss of home and comforts would appear to you then as but a trifle not to be thought of. O[h] the anxieties of this fearful war, when will they end?
In exile from my state so dear to every —?—, separated from all my dear children save one, I have much to make me anxious. My dear father has been mercifully preserved through many dangers. He is he in the Army of Tennessee, in the last battle had his horse shot under him, his own life mercifully preserved. He is now on General Johnston’s staff, Louisiana (?) brigade. I am glad to say they were complemented by General Hood in the last battle for their bravery, dear fellow, he has been in the line since the War began, always in the path of danger until his health failed, and now his —?__ is a more comfortable one.
Dear Harriet C. has never been allowed to return to her home, is living near Baltimore very comfortable. Please let me hear where dear cousin H. and family are and all about your dear home. How is dear Sally, I never hear from her. My warmest love to dear Ellen and to your dear wife and children.
Mary is the first rate manager and we get along comfortably. She is a dear child and I thank God that my lot is cast with one so good and kind. Although we have some privations (?), the times are hard here —?— beyond your conception.
Mary sends love to yourself and family. Please excuse this hurried letter as the servant waits for the mail —?— to Sumpter (sic) S[outh] Carolina.”
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