American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

Letter from Private William H. Jefferson, who was drafted for service with the US Army on 30 July 1863, and placed in the 8th Regiment Colored troops (toning overall, some tears at edges and corners). At the time he penned his letter, the 8th was located at Hilton Head, South Carolina. In his letter, Private Jefferson described the difficulty and ill health that others of his regiment suffered during their travels aboard ship en route to South Carolina. Though he assured his mother that he was in good health, Private Jefferson's fortunes did not last. According to his records, he contracted Typhoid Fever, and died in the regimental hospital on 13 July 1863.

An accompanying letter relays the grim news to William's mother (torn corner with cracking at the seams reinforced with tape and toning overall). Originally sent by her, and dated 28 May 1864, she offered William some details of how his family were doing, and the health of his own loved ones. A brief note was written at the bottom in a different hand reading "This letter was recd. while he was yet alive but too weak to understand it. His last words were "Mother! Mother! O.H. Norton."

Third letter of the lot has no legible signature, but retains a legible date of 1 October 1863, and a verso instruction reading, "direct your letter daniel Osborn 9th N.Y. regt Co C / Washington DC." Letter records the experiences of its author in the area of New York, NY (small tear to corner, split along folds, toning.) Themes discussed include prices for assorted goods inflated due to war, fishing, foraging, and the execution of deserters. In part: "...we went to see a man shot that had deserted seven times there was twelve men stood about ten feet in front of him and all fired right into his head I heard the boys say that he was of the 30th Mass there has several of our boys deser[t]ed but I shant try it for if I do I am sure to be shot but the rebbles [sic] balls may go one side of me..."

Also included is a printed circular issued to the 20th and 26th Regiments of US Colored Troops from New York City, dated 29 February 1864, and informing the personnel that passes to visit Riker's Island would be issued Wednesday and Thursday of that week (some tearing to seams, stains, and toning).