Description:

WASHINGTON PREPARES AFTER REBEL AGENTS TRY TO TORCH NEW YORK
In today's world New York City remains a target for international terrorists. In 1864 Confederate agents (today they would be called terrorists) sought to demoralize the North by attacking the principle cities with New York City as their primary target. The plan was to burn these cities to the ground using Greek fire, a liquid substance that ignited when exposed to air. Their plan, put into effect in late November 1864, proved mildly successful when several fires were set at P. T. Barnum's Museum and several hotels in New York, but no serious damage was done except to Barnum's Museum which burned to the ground. This rare letter, written by a Union soldier stationed at Finley Hospital, Washington D.C. just days after the near catastrophic attack on New York is the only Civil War era letter we have seen addressing the arsons. The letter is 2pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. William Logan on Sanitary Commission stationery, Finley Hospital, Washington, Dec. 4, 1864. It reads in part: "…we have had a busy week occasioned by the discovery of a sinister plot to burn the city and hospitals as well as the principal Northern cities. We have been guarding and watching every avenue since they succeeded in burning three buildings in the City. New York was fired in about 50 places. I have been acting corporal of the guard and like the duty well…". The original transmittal cover is included. Both the cover and letter are in very good condition

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September 9, 2014 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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