War-dated ALS, one page, 7.5 x 8, April 1862. For the interesting language found in this remarkable survivor, we can only presume that the letter traveled to its recipient with the utmost secrecy—or perhaps, the term “contraband” was simply the prevailing vernacular used to express a particular designation. American military officer John E. Wool (1784-1869) dispatched this note concerning the housing of certain “contrabands” at Fort Monroe. Directed to Captain Tallmadge, this relic from the Civil War reads in part: “[You] will furnish lumber to the amount due to certain contrabands which Mr. Wilbur informs me they are willing to contract & will put up buildings for themselves. If you will attend to this today all the contrabands can be got out of the seminary.” The boldly penned item is double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Wool to measure 17 x 14 dimensions. A few extra creases and wrinkles, otherwise fine condition. That this letter penned by Wool references Fort Monroe and its “contrabands” is particularly fascinating given the activity at the American stronghold. By 1862, roughly 1,500 “freed” slaves called Fort Monroe their home, and it was Wool who placed them on the payroll to work at the now-historic locale. Apparently, as detailed in this letter, these former slaves were willing to build their own shelter given sufficient materials. RRAuction COA.
