Description:

"LOUISIANA TIGER" WIA AT GETTYSBURG SEEKS AMNESTY IN THE NORTH
A rare war-date Confederate POW letter, 3pp. 8vo., by Pvt. Samuel C. Sorensen Co. A, 7th Louisiana Vols. (the "Louisiana Tigers"), David's Island, [Long Island Sound], July 29, 1863 requesting help from Col. J. Frederick Pierson, 1st New York Vols. And future brevet brigadier general in helping him to stay North by taking the oath of allegiance. Sorenson was banking on Pierson being sympathetic to his cause since it was Sorenson himself who was once Pierson's captor! Luckily for him, Pierson must have helped somewhat as Sorenson was exchanged shortly after this letter was written, but instead of being allowed to stay North he was sent to Richmond. Through Surgeon John Howe he writes Col. Pierson the following, in part: "Dear Sir, Do not think me presumptions in forcing myself under your notice. I am at a loss what do to and…appeal to you for advice. First let me try to make myself known. Perhaps you remember the Louisianan that was on the starvation march with you from Manassas to the Rapidan. I am that honorable individual. I have no desire to return to Richmond, but would rather do so than be subjected to draft in the Federal service. Fight against the south I never can. If I could get permission to work at my trade (with taking the oath of allegiance) I would leave the country as soon as I could get the means to pay my way. The name deserter is horrible indeed to a sensitive heart…under present circumstances. There is poor prospects for the South and should I be so unfortunate to loose a limb. Where! Could I look for subsistence? I have no relatives on this Continent whatever. I was taken prisoner at Fredericksburg May 4th and returned again. At Gettysburg on the 2nd inst I received a flesh wound in the right leg…I feel confident you will answer me to the best of your ability…". Having received the letter Howe forwarded it to Col. Pierson adding, in part: "Dear Fred, The writer of this note introduced himself to me this morning as one of the guards who took you to the Rapidan after your capture at Bristoe's Station. He wants to get out of the rebel service and stay North, but having certain Scruples about deserting, taking the oath, etc he wants your advise. He is now a patient at this hospital having received a flesh wound of the leg at Gettysburg. He is a Dane - is intelligent and is heartily tired of the Confederate Service…". Sorenson apparently played both Howe and Pierson as fools since he falsely presented himself as a foreigner stating he had no family "on the Continent" despite being born in New York in 1836 and residing in New Orleans when the war began! As soon as he was paroled at Richmond he shows as continually being absent without leave. Overall very good and a great piece of Gettysburg history.

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September 27, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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