War-dated ALS, in pencil, signed “Lew,” five pages on one set of adjoined sheets and one additional sheet, 5 x 8, ornate and colorful patriotic letterhead, January 4, 1862. A letter to his sister in Pennsylvania. In part (with grammar and spelling retained): “My parents did not fret about me I could do my duty with a lighter heart for dear sister you know how it pains me to hear of my dear parents lamenting and fretting for me. Oh can they not content themselfs with there only son being absent from them for a few months or even a year when he is absent from them on account of our Dear Country being in danger of rebels inhabiting it with their unworthy footsteps should I not ask and have it granted to me for a few months absence in helping to crush down this rebellion which threateneds to overspread our land and bring with it the hand of Slavery—vice degradations amongst our civilized inhabitants, not only does our Country call us to the battlefield but also does God call us to leave our parents our wives our children and home and fly with the quickness of lightning to the aid and call of our country which is now in the utmost general. The time has now come when the war is inevitable so let it come in all its fury and we the Royal sons of the Old Keystone State will carry it through and in the end gain the victory with all its honers that is due us.” In fine condition, with a couple small separations along horizontal mailing folds. Accompanied by the ornate and patriotic original mailing envelope. RR Auction COA.
