Two Civil War Home-Front Letters

$250, shipping included. ON HOLD

This pair of letters from the Civil War period reflect a Union perspective, commenting upon current news and a brother's death in battle. Both are letters written to Elizabeth McCarrell of Burgettstown, Washington Co., Pennsylvania.

The first letter (Nov. 1862, 2 p.) is from her daughter Louisa, in part discussing General McClellan's troop movements and mentioning a substitute soldier who was not accepted into the army due to his being too "small and young."

The second letter to Elizabeth is from her niece Sarah Reed (March 21, 1863, 4 p.), who writes a sad and emotional letter as she tells of her youngest brother's death in the war. Sarah searches for justification for her brother's death, and she seems to struggle with the purpose of the war "... do you think they are fighting to free the Negro or is it to restore the Union. I know what I think, but I will not express myself so freely.".

Both letters are accompanied by their original envelopes, and the second letter, which more faded, is also accompanied by a partial transcription.

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