Civil War surgeon Allen S. Heath (b. 1821). Surgeon on the staffs of General King in West Virginia and of General Michael Corcoran's Irish Legion in Georgia. Two war-dated ALSs, each signed “Allen S. Heath,” lightly-lined, 5 x 8, each four sides on two adjoining pages, US Steamer Daylight off Fortress Monroe, both dated July 8, 1861. In separate letters to his brother, and to his wife and children before the USS Daylight undertakes a foray down the coast to North Carolina in search of enemy shipping and Confederates. To his brother, he writes: "We have got every nook and corner filled with coal & water, have taken on an extra sailing master, a rifled gun & numerous other things, and am off for Wilmington North Carolina after prizes and privateers. I do not think we will be gone more than 3 or 4 weeks…l regret not having an opportunity to see and participate in the big fight, but our present enterprize will be much more remunerative.” The second letter to his family reads, in part: “My last moments before starting for Wilmington and that portion of North Carolina coast…We have filled up with coal, water, men, guns and ammunition for a 3 or 4 weeks constant run up and down the coast in the vicinity of Wilmington…lf you can spare money enough to get a barrel of flour you had better.” In overall fine condition. RR Auction COA.
