[CIVIL WAR]. Letter from Maurice Lamprey, 10th New Hampshire Infantry, in which he rejects anti-emancipation sentiments and describes the wrecks of the USS Cumberland and Congress. Newport News, VA, 11 March 1863.

9 1/4 x 7 1/4 in., creased along old folds, few ink smears. With postally used envelope addressed to Mr. Clarance Lamprey of Concord, NH, and cancelled at old Point Comfort, VA.

This letter to his brother, Clarance, is dated three days before Private Lamprey's regiment, the 10th New Hampshire, would be dispatched to Norfolk and Suffolk, on 14 March 1863. Lamprey describes the fortifications visible from the barracks, along with the grisly remains of USS Cumberland and USS Congress, still visible from the shore after they were destroyed during the Battle of Hampton Roads, Virginia, in March of 1862. He further discusses anti-emancipation sentiment in the Union, including a town-hall meeting within the 10th New Hampshire about whether it would be best to end the war with compromise or force of arms. Lamprey himself favored the latter position, and objected to the anti-emancipation sentiments expressed by his peers. He further elucidates his own thoughts on how African Americans might help the war effort.

Maurice Lamprey enlisted with the 10th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry on 8 August 1862, serving with that unit through the Siege of Suffolk before transferring into the US Signal Corps. Lamprey survived the war, and died on 14 February 1912.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.