January 12, 1863 (mis-dated 1862) Dated Civil War, Union 6th New Hampshire Infantry Soldier's Autograph Letter Initialed, "J.M.S." with Strong Anti-Negro sentiment, i.e. "The soldiers almost to a man swear they will never fight for the freedom of a Nigger...", original transmittal cover, with endorsement Signed, “A. Hamilton, Chaplain of the 6th NH”, Choice Very Fine.
Black History related handwritten Letter, 4 pages, measuring 4.75" x 7.25” at Falmouth, Virginia, January 12, 1863 (misdated 1862 - the common January & new year mistake). Comes together with its original circular stamped Postal Envelope addressed to Mr. J. C. Badger / Glimanton / New Hampshire”. Well written in rich brown ink, being easily readable on clean wove period writing paper.

A highly significant Civil War Union Soldier's letter, reflecting the reaction which some soldiers expressed to the “Emancipation Proclamation”, which became effective just 11 days before this letter was written, shown by his strong Anti-Negro sentiments and his wish that he could “take a few shots at the authors of the Emancipation Proclamation”. He also writes with some bitterness about the Battle of Fredericksburg, which he had fought in only a month earlier, noting the "wholesale slaughter" and that "the last battle beat all I have ever seen, and that was the sixth general engagement I have been in". This Letter reads, in part:

"You say there may be some rejoicing over nigger free[dom]. It may that it is so here, but I have not run across it in my travels. The soldiers almost to a man swear they will never fight for the freedom of a nigger. I suppose we shall have to if our commanders give the word. I best wish I have for the authors of the Emancipation Proclamation is that I had them within my power. I would have the fun of discharging my rifle a few times more. This may be pretty loud talking ... If soldiers that come from N.H. could cast their votes at the next election, I think without a doubt that the State would go Democratic.

As to another Battle here, I am thinking it quite doubtful as to there being another, although our folks have been throwing up new Fortifications and breastworks and are still at work. The Grey backs on the other side are equally as busy. Their rifle pits extend for a mile on the banks of the river and from there back through the City to their fortifications on the hill. They can repulse and double that we had before as easily as they did then. They have a perfect Gibraltar in strength. I tell you Joe, I have got sick of this wholesale slaughter business that is being carried on. A man that has never seen a battle field knows nothing about it. The last battle beat all that I have ever seen and that was the sixth general engagement that I have been in..."



[Civil War, Union Army, Battle of Fredericksburg] [Emancipation Proclamation, African American History, Political History] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Postal History]