Description:

EDWARD B. HUNT
(1822 - 1863) Union officer stationed at Key West, who, at the outbreak of the Civil War aided in preventing the forts of southern Florida from falling into Confederate hands. While at Key West, he devised a submarine projectile, known as the sea-miner. Transferred to New York, he continued his experiments with the device and was killed in the process. Good content war-date A.L.S. 8pp. 8vo., Ft. Taylor, Key West, June 8, 1861 to a friend in Boston, in part: "...We are almost daily seeing or partaking in movements bearing on the war. We have got past by some months the time when Ft. Y was in danger of seizure or immediate attack...While our people were supine & incredulous, we knew that we were marked for a raid - But we were at last so far reinforced. I had so fully enclosed ... the Fort that I again could lay down with a sense of serenity - Since then, I have been preparing for ulterior defense ... Now I am working on to create such a resisting power that should England join the fray against us we could make a good resistance - I have now over 150 men...& I am chief beaver. This is quite a charge especially as I have to provide all their work, & see to its perfect execution...We have of course been much interested in Ft. Pickens matters. I believe from the indications known, that Jeff Davis has withdrawn the best troops from there, leaving only[?] 5000 & taking the same for Va. operations - I do not expect an attack to be made on Ft. P. now. the policy being to fight the battle in Va....". In fact Fort Pickens was one of only a few southern forts to remain in Union hands throughout the war. He continues: "...I imagine considerable fighting has been going on in the poor Old Dominion & I am looking for the next news with much interest & some apprehension -- I have faith in Scott...but there is much substance to the opposing army...The Queen's proclamation is I think a big John Bell blunder & is not without dangerous significance - but the C.S. will hardly get any material aid out of it. I question whether the Northern enthusiasm will survive reverses & England helping the C.S. but it will I think sustain our own camp...for a year or more - I do not look to the suppression of this rebellion in less than a year anyway, for it is very deeply seated & thousands have committed all, even to their necks on this move & these will hold out desperately. But time will clear our sky in woe way & we must work & wait. I am seeing daily almost Steamers their officers coming & going relative to blockade duty...P>". Usual folds, light soiling, else very good. Together with LORENZO THOMAS A.L.S. 1p. 8vo., Washington, Oct 23, 1865. Toned from glue mounting, usual folds. Two pieces.

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May 9, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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