Description:

MATTHEW RANSOM
(1826-1904) American Confederate politician turned brigadier general who fought in the Seven Days, Sharpsburg and Petersburg, wounded three times in the process. Rare, fine content war-date A.L.S. ‘M. Ransom' 3pp. 4to., ‘Camp [Bernard] Bee' [near Manassas], Dec. 21, 1861, to his wife Martha Anne 'Pattie' Exum. Ransom writes tenderly and lovingly shortly after the loss of his daughter Esther, in part: ‘…Yesterday I wrote you a short note from Fredericksburg…the dear boys, there was nothing in the plan towards them for Christmas. I think you can get something for them…I can not tell you how sadly disappointed I am in not being [able] to see you at Christmas. Col. [William B.] Stokes wishes to go home & as I have been about since he was, it is right that I should give him way. You must not think of it tho', darling, for the time will soon pass and we will be together. As soon as he returns, I will go & that will not be very long. And yet for once I almost dread to go home. I hate so much…that sorrow has been heavy…I am not, precious, like I was at all…This grief has changed [my] face…and I can not recover from it…How dark the house must now be…My own dearest child, that…light removed…but it will be so blessed to meet her in a brighter world…But Oh, I so miss our little daughter so much…Let the Negroes [slaves] have Christmas until Monday, that is long enough, and tell Dr. Roberts to put everything…in charge of Jack [?] until the new overseer comes…'. Ransom goes on to discuss matters regarding his plantation, and directs his wife to convey instructions to the staff, concluding: ‘…And in everything, my princess darling, do the best you can & just as you wish…Kiss the darling boys for me & tell them how I love them…with my whole soul, yours forever M. Ransom'. Ransom left the North Carolina House of Commons in May 1861. Despite any military training but with a conviction that slavery was a doomed institution, he felt compelled to join the Confederate forces. He served with distinction. Fine condition.

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January 18, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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