Description:

Beautifully written and incredibly somber A.L.S., 3pp. 8vo., Mt. Carroll, IL, Sept. 25, 1861, a romantic confession of love from Union soldier Thomas H. Emmest to his love interest, Lydia K. Ransom, shortly before being sent off to war, reading in part: ...I am going to leave my home, and all its pleasures, to try the realities of a soldier life; and I felt I could not go away without wishing you farewell, which, perhaps, may be a final one...I knew not what it was to love until I met with you; but when I met you, and became acquainted, I felt that I could love you and you alone...It will be impossible for us to meet for some time, at least, and perhaps for ever; I feel that I cannot postpone any longer in declaring my feelings for you...I will not ask you to love me now...but give me an assurance that your heart is free...should I be spared through the war, I may enter the field as a worthy candidate for so high a prize... Emmest concludes: Miss Ransom, Farewell! Should we never meet again on earth; may Heaven prosper and protect you. Less than three months after this letter was written, Emmest would die in Alexandria, VA on Jan. 15, 1862. Shows original mailing folds, else very good to fine, with transmittal envelope. An earnest and powerful letter.

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March 1, 2020 8:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

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