Page 221 - Swann Galleries - Printed & Manuscript African Americana- Sale 2308 - March 21, 2013

407 ● (MILITARY—CIVIL WAR.) Letter from Morgan W. Carter, 28th U.S.C.T.
Black Soldier to a friend. Single sheet of 9th Corps, 4th Div. Stationary, folded to form
four pages, written on three sides, with the original envelope; some wear and stains to the
letter. City Point, VA, Dec. 3, [1864] [6,000/8,000]
A LETTER WITH EXTRAORDINARY CONTENT, WRITTEN BY A BLACK SOLDIER IN HIS
OWN HAND. Morgan W. Carter, born in Madison, Indiana, enlisted with the U.S.C.T on
February 5th, 1864. Carter, a sergeant, writes to his friend Charles, and apologizes for not
writing sooner.
“Well, friend Charles I am doing as well as could be expected of a fellow in Uncle Sam’s
employment. We are in winter quarters at City Point now, doing provost duty, which is quite
agreeable after our Summer Campaign which has been quite severe on us at some times. But
we are last at rest for the Winter. I have a splendid little house to myself with a fireplace in it
and you can see that I am snug as you please. Only the recollection of home associations comes
forcible to memory then I feel a little down hearted. But soon rally when I think on what prin-
cipal I am fighting which is for the benefit of my race. I have been in a good many near close
place but by the Lord’s will I have escaped with life. So far I have been wounded twice, once by
a piece of shell on the long to be remembered field of bloodshed and slaughter on the 31st of
July (the Stoneman Raid) There many a poor fell[ow] lost thear life for thear country and
thear people. But poore fellows they died a noble death and in this cause if it is necessary I will
give up my life most willingly to benefit the Colored Race. You kno yourself that we have been
trampled under the white man’s heal for years and now we have a choice to to elevate our selfs
and our race and what little I can do toward it I will do so most willingly. If I should die before
I receive the benefit of it I will have the consolation of nowing that the generations to come will
receive the blessing of it. And I think it the duty of all the men of our race to do what they can.
Well friend Charley I was very glad to here the citizens of Madison had such a good time in
honor of Uncle Abe’s reelection. You must remember my love to your father and mother and the
rest of the family and to all enquiring friends. Will Forten and the rest of the boys send their
love and respect to all as it is near time to put lights out in camp. I will sat Good Night./ I
remain your friend Margan W. Carter. Direct to Sgt. Morgan W. Carter, Company G, 28th
U.S. Cold. Troops, City Point, Virginia. Care colonel Russell.” This letter is quoted in
Edward A. Millar’s Black Civil War Soldiers of Illinois, pages 104-105. (University of South
Caronlina Press, 1998.)
406 ● (MILITARY—CIVIL WAR.)
Black veteran wearing a G.A.R.
reunion medal. Cabinet Card by Graeff.
Lebanon, PA, circa 1870’s-1890’s
[400/600]
406
[SEE ILLUSTRATIONS OVERLEAF]