ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Camp of the 52d U.S. Infty. Cold., Snyders Bluff, Miss., April 25, 1864. Fascinating war-dated letter written to the writer’s brother with content regarding a company of black troops, the hanging of a cotton speculator, a boat captured and burned, and with a coded message at the end of the letter. In part: “I suppose the expedition was about cotton and I am glad that part of it failed. One cotton spec. that was with us came back here and yesterday he was in the camp of Deborne’s Div. blowing about Nigger Officers. He said he wished hey [sic] were all hung and their men shot. He said they ought to be for running away without doing anything, One officer went to report it…while he was gone another Officer allowed him to be hanged and buried. It is going to make some excitement but it was a good thing but cannot be justified I don’t believe, if not Maj. Curtis will be a martyr to the cause. It would be very unhealthy for cotton speculators to follow this Brigade if the Major should be cashiered or punished…I don’t object to your views about calling out the entire militia…I wish the matter was settled up but it seems to be rather slow business.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In very good condition, with scattered toning, almost complete separation to two folds. R&R COA.
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