American Historical Ephemera and Photography

EASTMAN, George E. (1842-1865). Autograph letter signed ("Geo. E. Eastman"). Addressed to "Friend Betsy." "Hilton Head. Port Royal. S.C." 8 February 1863. 4pp, approx. 5 x 8 in. (creasing at folds, light toning). Accompanied by cover addressed to "Miss Betsey J. Gastill [sp?] / Cornish / Maine."

Soldier's letter including description of the nightly "meetings" of formerly enslaved persons: "We have a nice time out here we are right among a lot of Plantations which are near all covered with Negroes they have meetings most every night there is one tonight, and I must go so I will put this away... Monday morn Betsy Levi S. and I went to meeting as we entended and we had a nice time. The meeting commensed by singing and continued so most all the way through. It is no use for me to attempt to tell you how they went through with their performance. They talked and preyed a good while and it was quite amuseing...."

HDS indicates that George E. Eastman of Cornish, Maine enlisted as a private on 9/22/1861 at 18 years old, and mustered into "E" Co. Maine 9th Infantry. He re-enlisted on 1/1/1864. He died a POW on 4/9/1865. He was listed as:
POW 9/29/1864 Chaffin's Farm, VA.
Wounded 9/29/1864 Chaffin's Farm, VA. Promotions: Corpl (1863).

In the aftermath of the Battle of Port Royal (November 1861) on Hilton Head Island, wealthy white residents and plantation owners fled inland, leaving behind over 10,000 slaves. The formerly enslaved residents, officially known as “contrabands”, arrived in Hilton Head from the mainland and surrounding islands to seek refuge with the Union Army at the newly minted Union Army Headquarters on Hilton Head Island. Once registered at the headquarters, they were assigned to barracks and began their new lives on base. The new residents who were able quickly began working for pay on base, unloading supply ships, serving as waiters and housekeepers for Union officers, washing clothes, working in the commissary, bake shop, garden, and hospital - and interacting with Union soldiers such as George Eastman.