Description:

UNION SOLDIER'S LETTER
A superb content A.L.S. by G. Wiley Wells, a captain in the NY 1st Dragoons, Co. ‘G'. Wells was commissioned into Co. ‘G', 1st New York Dragoons on Sept. 3, 1862. He was wounded at Trevillian Station on June 12, 1864, and discharged for wounds. The letter, 4pp. 8vo., Washington, April 2, 1865, was written to Wells' sister and reads, in part: ‘…You may think I have quite forgotten you…Well I am once more ensconced into the life of a citizen. I am in the Quartermaster Genl's Office and I like it right well…'. Wells continues with social content, then writes: ‘…Every thing has been excitement here for the past week by the news being so extremely good. Every one was out on the 3rd making all the noise possible. I had the pleasure of hearing the Vice President speak twice and Sect Stanton Sect Seward Senator Nye and many other ‘big Guns' at night. All the public buildings were illuminated with bands playing flags flying &c&c which gave to Washington something of an exciting appearance. The News still continues good tonight. Grant's telegraphs that he has forced Lee from the Danville ‘R.R' and thinks Lee will surrender. The game of Secession is about ‘played out' – at least every one wishes so and I hope we will soon be blessed with peace. Old Abe has taken up Quarters in Richmond and I guess he will not return until the War is ended. Sect Seward met with quite an accident, his horse run a way throwing him out breaking his arm & jaw and injuring him otherwise…'. The first week of April, 1865, was marked by events celebrating the Union's imminent victory and, as Wells notes, also by Secretary of State William Seward's fateful throw that left him unable to defend himself against Lewis Powell's attack on April 14, 1865. Ironically, the neck brace worn by Seward from this injury would serve to save his life by deflecting the blows of his would-be assassin! Neatly penned on lined letterhead with mailing folds, else very good.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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