[ Autographs ] CIVIL WAR BLACK SOLDIER'S LETTER An extremely rare Black Union soldier's letter, 2pp. 8vo., Riker's Island, New York, Jan. 30, 1864, in which Corporal Miner Hilton, 20th U.S. Colored Infantry, writes to Governor Seymour of New York pleading for assistance. In part: "...I enlisted in this State at New York City on 44 Broom St. and I was cheated out of my money...and I was assigned tothe 20th U.S. Colored Troops and my wife, having nothing to support herself with, and I didn't know of any other way than to apply to you..Be so kind as to...see what you can do for my wife...Miner Hilton, Member of the 20th U.S.C.T....". Along with the letter are photocopiesof numerous documents from the official records, verifying Corporal Hilton's period of service, stating that he was discharged shortly after the war's end due to disability, and that he was formerly a laborer in Kentucky (likely an escaped slave). Very good.